- EGYPT
- November 13, 2012
- 4 minutes read
Egypt Coptic Pope Tawadros II Hopes Constitution Will Unite All Egyptians, Supports Article II
Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Episcopate, expressed support for Article II of the Constitution of 1971 staying on unchanged in the new constitution being drafted in the Constituent Assembly (CA).
Article 2 affirms that, "Islam is the state religion, and Arabic the official language, and principles of Sharia (Islamic Law) are the main source of legislation".
Pope Tawadros hopes the CA would succeed in writing a constitution that unites all Egyptians and lays the ground for them for accelerated progress in the future and for the advancement of the homeland. He said that everyone should be judged by the principles of citizenship.
On the future role of the church, under his Papacy, Tawadros confirmed that he rejects the idea of the church intervening in political affairs of the state, and that he accepts only a spiritual role in the church.
Regarding his vision of rumored sectarian strife, he explained: "Those are not mere rumors, but an interpretation of what happens when a situation develops between citizens and a religious factor is thrown in, a crisis is ignited and a bigger problem grows and spreads".
The Coptic Pope pointed that applying the law against wrong- doers and offenders will put an end to this problem and eliminate it completely, "because we are citizens of one homeland, and friendly relationships should prevails among all Egyptians.
"For so long, we’ve grown accustomed to finding Christian families next to Muslim families, cooperating and helping one another. And in holiday seasons, Christian and Muslim families exchange congratulations and visits. This is the compassion that pervades our society."
He concluded by affirming that he, along with all Egyptians – including Copts – strongly denounce the violence being committed against the Syrian people. He called for an immediate halt to the violence, to stop the bloodshed and start work with more dedication on a political solution.
