Bishops Pray for a modern democratic Egypt

June 28, 2012: "We pray to the Lord to help make Egypt a modern democratic state which respects civil rights and freedoms of all and ensure security, peace and social justice." These are the words written by Bishop Kyrillos William, Coptic Catholic Church administrator, to Mohammed Morsi, newly elected president of Egypt. On behalf of his community and the Patriarch, the former Bishop of Assiut congratulated the new president.

Bishop William, in his letter praised especially the first speech of the President to the nation, where he has promised to be "president for all" and expressed the wish to promote the interests of the entire Egyptian society, working with the leaders of each group. 'People must forget their differences - the bishop wrote to the new head of state - Egypt needs to revive the ideas, and experience strength of all its children. "

However, a more cautious optimism was expressed by the Bishop of Luxor, Bishop Joannes Zakaria. He said on Monday that "We hope that the president lives up to promises made during his inaugural address."
Sunday afternoon, before the cameras of state television, Morsi is committed to strengthening national unity and ensure equality of citizens of all faiths: "Egypt is all - said the first democratically elected president of Egypt - and we all have the same rights. "

Although the Church has not given any indication of the candidate to choose from in the second round of presidential elections, the majority of Christians have preferred to vote on General Ahmed Shafiq, a former Minister of Civil Aviation of Mubarak and Prime Minister during the days of the revolt.