The three Egyptian churches condemned the statements of Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, against Grand Shaykh al-Tayyib for his religious weight and impact not only on Egypt but also on the whole world.

Pope Tawadros II condemned Erdogan's statements and assured that the Shaykh of al-Azhar is one of the most important national unity figures in Egypt and is a safety valve for the country. The Egyptian Council of Churches as well considers him a symbol of honest nationalism and impartiality.

The Bishop of the Armenian Catholic Church in Egypt said that his church condemns Erdogan's statements, specifying that they are not only attacking the Shaykh and his authority, but also Islam and the Muslim Community. Such attacks recall the memories of what Turkey did across generations with Muslims and Christians and a hundred years ago with the Armenians. The Armenian Church aligns its voice to the Egyptians and all Muslims, supporting the Grand Imam of al-Azhar in continuing his mission of spreading Islam, restoring security in Egypt, and uniting its people.

Dr. Andrea Zaky, Director of The Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Service (CEOSS), refused any intervention or attack on Egypt or on any of its leaders, be them political, popular or religious, confirming the full support of the people to the position taken by the Imam (Author not mentioned, al-Watan, Sep. 1, p. 3). The article has no link online.

(Daniela De Maria, Intern)