Mīnā Thābit, president of the emerging People's Initiative Party, has demanded Pope Tawadros to enforce a package of reforms for the Church. Foremost, he demands a review of some theological opinions issued by his predecessor Pope Shenouda III and to overcome the obstacles for Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem.

In a statement for al-Shurūq, Thābit stressed that he finds it necessary to amend the statute for the election of the Patriarch. Furthermore, he demands a debate on the comments the late Pope Shenouda III made on the virginity of Bishops before he became Pope.

Next, he demands a complete withdrawal of the Church from politics and relying on the secular Copts. Those can be found in the Maspero Youth Union and some other parties (Māhir 'Abd al-Sabūr, al-Shurūq, Sept. 5, p. 8). This article has no link online.

(Anton Bondarew, Intern)