The acting Pope Anba Pachomeus yesterday issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the production of a film that is said to be insulting to Islam and the Prophet Mohamed
The acting Pope Anba Pachomeus yesterday issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the production of a film that is said to be insulting to Islam and the Prophet Mohamed.
The statement declared that the Coptic Orthodox Church had learned that a number of Egyptians in the Diaspora were endeavouring to spread division among the people of Egypt by insulting Islam and its Prophet.
“The Church declares clearly and strongly its rejection of such acts, and confirms its respect for Islam and Muslims. Muslims,” the statement said, “are our partners in the homeland. The Church denounces attempts to hurt their feelings, or insult their beliefs or religious symbols.
“The Church renounces all acts that work to disdain Islam, a crime that is in Egypt punishable by the law, and which runs contrary to Egyptian morals and Christian traditions.”
The Church##s statement has come in response to stories circulating that the radical American preacher Terry Jones, the Egyptian Esmat Zaqalama who is head of the so-called “Coptic State of Egypt”, and the Coptic lawyer Morris Sadek who is known for his controversial notions and is resident in the US, have produced a film that is offensive to the Prophet Mohamed.
Watani International
11 September 2012