For Immediate Release
April 9, 2013 Cedar Grove, N.J. – Source: http://nacopts.org
The Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America mourns the loss of the seven Egyptians killed in violent attacks in Khosous and outside of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo over the weekend. The Archdiocese offers its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and continues to fast and pray for peace in Egypt.
The Coptic Orthodox community’s grief is exacerbated by the awareness that these incidents are part of a pattern of violent attacks upon Egypt’s ancient and indigenous Christian minority that have taken place since the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood took power. Indeed, it has become apparent that this sectarian violence is a manifestation of religious extremism that perceives no consequences to its actions in attacking Egypt’s Christians. We are disheartened not only by the Egyptian government’s failure to prosecute those responsible for hate crimes against the Coptic Orthodox Community, but also by the silence of Egypt’s allies, including the United States, which has supported the current Egyptian administration despite its relegation of Copts to second-class citizens. The global community must recognize that this violent extremism is only becoming more widespread and threatens to eradicate the largest Christian community in the Middle East if it is allowed to continue.
As Christians, we will heed the instructions of our Lord and Savior, the King of Peace, who teaches us to love even those who persecute us. However, we proclaim that this violence – and the political environment that fosters it – must end. This unprecedented assault upon mourners within the very walls of the Grand Cathedral of the Holy Patriarchate of the Coptic Orthodox Church warrants a strong international response. The Archdiocese appeals to the government of the United States, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Coptic Orthodox Christians, to meaningfully respond to the pervasive aggression targeted at the family and loved ones of its own citizens. We likewise call upon the Egyptian government to replace rhetoric with action, and move swiftly to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice and ensure the safety of Egypt’s Christian community.