Pope’s deputy : We do not Fear the Muslim Brotherhood’s Rise

Sharobem el-Bakhomy, the deputy of the Orthodox Patrick in Alex, asserted that the Muslim Brotherhood’s outshining and their close approach to power do not ever fear Copts.
 
We do not fear reports about the Brotherhood’s intention to establish a religious state in which Copts are discriminately treated. In addition, Copts’ departure from Egypt is unacceptable. Coptic leaders categorically refused and emphatically criticized this idea.
 
In his interview with al-Misery al-Yiaom daily, Pope’s Vice indicated that Egypt is a safe country. Furthermore, the Muslim Brotherhood has programs and schemes that benefit Egypt during the coming period. For Copts, Egypt is the second country which the Christ, Virgin Mary, and Joseph had visited. Egypt will see no event that forcers Copts to leave their native home. The travel of some Coptic youth does not resulted from the rise of the Brotherhood. They left in search for a better life outside Egypt that suffers from hard living standards and unemployment that plagues both Muslims and Copts. He added there are no foreign pressures responding to domestic developments concerning Copts. ’We did not and will not comply to any foreign pressures for it is a rejected principle. Love of the Church and of Egypt is the driving factor behind the decisions of Pope who enjoys profound insight and deliberates on matters, caring for the interest of the Church and the country.
 
Commenting on reports about the transition of the Coptic Church outside Egypt, the Pope’s vice said the Coptic Church owns Egyptian national features. It will remain so till the Judgment Day. ’The Church along with Al-Azhr works hand in hand for the welfare of Egyptians; Muslims and Christians’, he added.
 
Remarking on rumors about a crisis, resulted from the President’s decree to authorize governors in approving the establishment and repair of churches, el-Bakhomy explained that Egypt witnessed no real crisis concerning constructing churches. He, seized the opportunity to thank Mubark on this brave decree, saying its gives us a deep sense of calmness. However, the implementation of this decree is impeded by certain problems, almost bureaucratic and routine procedures. He added that the President gave us a good surprise when he decided to make the Christmas, Jun 7th, a national leave for all Egyptians. This measure was a personification of the president’s interest in Egyptians, whether Muslims or Christians.    
 
As for the prominent Coptic intellectual Melad Hanna’s statements that Copts should leave Egypt, if the Brotherhood seizes power, the Pope’s vice indicated that Hanna is a Christian who does not represented Copts, similarly is Michel Monir, the head of Immigrated Copts Organization in the U.S. he clarified that the Coptic status is our daily concern just like Monir but we do not recognize his visit to Egypt.
 
Concerning the absence of the Pope during Alex crisis, el-Bakhomy pointed out that a compulsory condition forced the Pope to remain in Cairo. Nevertheless, he kept closely in touch with the developments of the problem, making continuous contacts with the presidency that lasts till the moment in preparation for potential incidents. In addition, he exerted his best till Al-Azhr Sheikh, Muhammad Tantawy, released a statement on the event.