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.