Coptic Pope Blasts Muslim Brotherhood, US and European Union
By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

Torched church in upper Egypt

EGYPT (ANS) — Since now former President Morsi's ouster on July 3, attacks on Egyptian Christians by members of the Muslim Brotherhood have taken place in most areas across Egypt.

According to a story by Mary Abdelmassih of the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), these attacks have escalated since security forces ended the pro-Morsi protests in central Cairo on Aug. 14.
During their six weeks of protests, Muslim Brotherhood leaders explicitly threatened to harm the Copts should they be forced to end their protests, which they vowed to prolong until Morsi is restored to power.

"Over the past weeks we have witnessed an increasing trend of anti-Christian rhetoric calling for 'the attack upon and eradication of Christians and churches in Egypt,'" said Coptic Bishop Anba in the United Kingdom.

St. Tadros Church, Minya

AINA said he added, "The result of such incitement, at least in part, has been the unprecedented attack on 52 churches and numerous Christian homes and businesses across eight governorates in Egypt, within the space of 24 hours."

According to AINA, Dr. Naguib Gabriel, President of Egyptian Union of Human Rights Organization, said "82 churches, many of which were from the 5th century, were attacked by pro-Morsi supporters in just two days."

Coptic Pope Tawadros II has issued a statement expressing his views on the violence which engulfed Egypt, accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of fomenting sectarian clashes.

The Pope pointed out the need to look beyond the squares where the Muslim Brotherhood have been holding their protests, in order to gain a general overview of what has been happening for weeks in Egypt.

AINA reported he said, "The attacks on government buildings and peaceful churches terrorize everyone, whether they be Copts or Muslims. These actions go against any religion, any moral code and any sense of humanity."

The Coptic Church also criticized the way in which the crisis is reported outside of Egypt. It expressly speaks of "false broadcasts by Western media," and urged for an "objective" revision to be made of the descriptions given to the actions of those "blood-thirsty radical organizations."

The Coptic Orthodox Church said that "instead of legitimizing them with global support and political coverage while they are trying to wreak havoc and destruction upon our beloved land, report all events truthfully and accurately."

Pope Tawadros reaffirmed his support for "national unity," and rejected any form of "international interference in our internal affairs."

The views of the Coptic church are also held by Copts in general, who are angry with the US and EU powers, "who almost daily issue statements threatening to take further actions against our interim government and army, portraying the Muslim Brotherhood as victims while not even mentioning the destruction of over 80 churches, as well monasteries, orphanages, businesses and Coptic schools by the Muslim Brotherhood."

AINA said that is according to Coptic activist Wagih Yacoub who believes that this attitude emboldens the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters to carry out further violence.

Yacoub added, "To add insult to injury the Muslim Brotherhood this week hoisted the black Al-Qaida flag on top of St. George's church in Sohag. Three churches were turned into mosques in Minya and Friday prayers were held inside them."