“The Egyptian Christian would never leave his homeland, unless he has been deeply aggrieved by his homeland.”

“Expatriate Copts are claiming the full rights for their people in Egypt. Is this not evidence enough that the Government is failing to do so?”

Amid waves of violent clashes Egypt is currently facing, the unceasing accusations pointed at the Coptic Church’s alleged incitement of tensions reached their peak when the Muslim Brotherhood’s official website claimed that the “Black Bloc” is a Coptic militia instructed by the Church to topple the regime.

In an interview with al-Sabāh’s reporter Mājī Jamāl, Bishop Marqus of Shubrā al-Khaymah responds:

NP.: How do you see the continuous accusations claiming the Church’s support to the Black Bloc? Some claim that Father Marqus ‘Azīz is the spiritual father for its (Black Bloc) members?

B.M.: The Church has no connection to the Black Bloc; we are not even certain that this group is at all behind the violent actions occurring on the Egyptian street. According to our information, these are young people who overtly claimed that they are not affiliated to either a political movement or to any political agenda. The Church rejects violence regardless of who ignites it. If there are Copts among the Black Bloc members, and I note: the group had also announced that they are not guided by the Church, we plead for them to act wisely and comply with the laws, to respect private and public property, and to withdraw from any act of thuggery or violence. To those who want to drag the Church’s name in political actions, I tell them that their accusations ignite sectarian strife. The Church has on many occasions announced that it does not engage in political agendas.

NP.: Nevertheless, the accusations claim a major role of the Church in the demonstrations demanding the ousting of the regime?

B.M.: The Church does not polarize its flock; however, it does encourage the active participation of Copts as indigenous Egyptians who claim a better future for their homeland and work on reestablishing its stability. I note that Copts do not adopt violence as this is against our teachings. Our principle is freedom of expression without pursuing violence. The Maspero incident was blatant evidence to peaceful demonstrations that unfortunately ended with 24 people who died, crushed under military tanks. We have not received any information on Copts involved in killing during the Maspero incident. Copts are known for promoting peace and rejecting violence.

NP.: After the court ruling that sent 21 people to the gallows for their role in the football massacre in Port Said, Coptic activists inside theChurch call for a new court case ruling in the Maspero incident, as the first one did not convict the perpetrators responsible for the death of 24 victims. Is there any development in this regard?

B.M.: There have been several demands to open the investigation files; however, like many Coptic cases, this case will as well not get adjust ruling. While seven Copts have been sentenced to death for their role in making the movie defaming Islam and Prophet Muhammad, nothing has been undertaken to convict those involved in the Two Saints Church and Maspero massacres, just to name two of a number of cases were no justice had been implemented on the criminals. Families of those who died say that they are still waiting for justice and accountability.

We demand the same intensive investigations as done for the defaming movie.

NP.: The court ruling that sentenced seven Copts to death was condemned by Copts of the diaspora; how do you evaluate the ruling of the court?

B.M.: Firstly, we do not interfere in verdicts ruled by the court. However, it is the right of Copts convicted to a death sentence to appeal against such ruling and to defend themselves. We also reject all kinds of defaming Islam as such would hurt the feelings of our Muslim friends and brothers. At the same time, we want to remind the authorities of ‘Abū Islām’s offensive actions against Christianity. Although he burned the Holy Bible and threatened to urinate on it, he has not been even investigated, let alone being convicted for defaming religion or belief, which is punishable by law.

M.J.: A large number of Coptic organizations in Germany have called on the German government to stop any financial aid to Egypt until President Mursī initiates the protection of the rights of Copts in Egypt. There are even some who want to challenge the regime with the diaspora issue.

B.M.: Were the Copts granted their rights as indigenous Egyptian citizens, they would not seek such measures. Whether living in diaspora or inside the country, we do not seek foreign support to get our legitimate rights.

NP.: What is your opinion regarding the Azhar document on rejecting violence?

B.M.: We fully support the Azhar’s initiative to reject violence, and we call on all the political leaderships to respond to the demands of the opposition in Egypt. We call for a mutual understanding among all political power, the Islamic as well as the civilian ones. We ought to listen to the demands on the Egyptian street if we want to move out of this vicious cycle. The Church relentlessly prays for safety and peace to prevail in Egypt.

M.J.: The Church has elected members to represent her in the Shūrá Council. Did the Church hand in any proposals on implementing rules to protect its rights?

B.M.: We demand a law that convicts defaming all religions and a law that covers the construction of all places of worship.

NP.: How does the Church prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections?

B.M.: This is a matter that should be discussed with His Holiness, Pope Tawadros II. However, any election for the parliament under the current Constitution ought to be reconsidered. The Church has withdrawn from the Constituent Assembly because it realized that the draft did not protect the rights and freedoms of Copts.

NP.: Were you to meet the President, what would you tell him?

B.M.: We will tell him that we are aware that Islam proclaims the protection of the rights of Copts and grants equal rights among all its citizens. Yet, we see that Copts are not appointed as judges or professors or ministries. Does this mean that Copts are devoid of capacities required for higher positions?

NP.: The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) said the next population count will be in 2016, disclosing the number of Copts in Egypt. Do you support the count?

B.M.: The CAPMAS knows the exact number of the Coptic population as the does the Ministry of Interior who registers the birthrate. The government will have to announce the correct number of Egyptian Christians (Mājī Jamāl, al-Sabāh, Feb. 3, p. 11). Read original text in Arabic.