The three major Coptic Churches of Egypt vehemently condemned declarations that attempt to drag the Churches into the new phenomenon of violence that emerged in Egypt lately and of allegedly providing and enhancing the Black Bloc “militias”-so the accusations-, describing such declarations as “irresponsible”.

Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II in a statement to the press asserted ”The Church is holding to her spiritual role and encourage her youth to participate in reestablishing the country; she does not involve in political affairs, nor does she incite her flocks to violent actions”.     

In his first address as newly appointed Patriarch of the Egyptian Catholic Church, Patriarch Ibrāhīm Ishāq condemned violence and its perpetrators whatever their identities are, stating, ”We promote and solidify peace building and reject violence as such leads to destruction”. In his statement, Patriarch Ibrāhīm, further, extended his deepest sympathy to the families who lost their children in the violent clashes that emerged on January 25 in remembrance of the second year of the Revolution, calling on Egyptians to open all channels of indigenous dialogue and mutual respect.

Calling on all who have authority, he urged them to work hard for the sake of Egypt instead of promoting personal agendas. 

Dr. Reverend Safwat al-Bayādī, head of the Evangelical denomination in Egypt, said that the alleged accusations that the Church incited an attack on the Ikhwān On Line web site are “pathetic”.  He insisted that those, who use religion being the reason behind the unrests, deliberately undermine the rejection of the people to the policy the current regime is imposing on them. They (people) do not need incitement from anyone. After the Revolution, he added, people would no longer give up their right to express peacefully their discontent.    

On the other hand, Dr. Najīb Jubrā’īl, president of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR), said that Ikhwān Online is inciting a number of lies and defamations against Christians and the Church, which urged him to file a complaint against said website as it incites fītnah tā’ifīyah (sectarian strife) between Christians and Muslims and, thus, jeopardize Egypt’s entity.  [Ranīyā Nabīl and Mājī Jamāl, Al-Sabāh, Jan. 28, p. 7] Read original text in Arabic