New Coptic Orthodox patriarch says no to Sharia-inspired constitution
(Nov. 07, 2012) In his first press release, the newly elected patriarch of the
Coptic Orthodox Church, Anba Tawadros II spoke out against Islamism's growing stranglehold
on Egyptian society. For the Patriarch - Christians and other minorities should have
their place in the future Egyptian constitution, which has become hostage to Islamists,
following the victory of the Muslim Brotherhood in recent elections. In his press
release, the prelate said that the Church would oppose any step taken by the constituent
assembly to impose Islamic law on the country. "If the constitution addresses one
part of the community and ignores another, it will take society backwards," he said.
"The beauty of Egyptian society is the presence of Muslims beside Christians. Diversity
is strong and beautiful," he added. Elected patriarch on Sunday, Anba Tawadros II
was the bishop of Behayra. A trained pharmacist, he studied at the Anba Bishoy Monastery
and has been committed to the reunification of all the Churches, especially of Copts
dispersed around the world. Since his elections, messages of congratulations have
been pouring in, including from Pope Benedict XVI. The replacement of Shenouda
III is "a great figure who knows well the situation and problems of the Coptic Orthodox
Church and Egyptian society," said Fr Rafic Greiche, spokesman for the Egyptian Catholic
Church. "He is only 60, and this gives Christians a lot of hope that his tenure will
last a long time." Among Muslims, there were two kinds of reaction, according to
Fr Greiche. Leaders in the Muslim Brotherhood, including President Morsi, expressed
positive comments, offering to work with the head of the Coptic Church to build the
country. "Such a position bodes well for future relations with the country's political
majority," Fr Greiche noted. Salafists however ignored the event, refusing to congratulate
the Christian community. Instead, they reiterated the primacy of Islam on the country.