Coptic pope criticizes Islamist influence on Egypt’s constitution

February 06, 2013

The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church has criticized Egypt’s new constitution, which declares that “principles of Islamic Sharia are the principal source of legislation.”

“The constitution, the base for all laws, must be under the umbrella of citizenship and not a religious one," Pope Theodoros (Tawadros) II of Alexandria said in an interview with the Associated Press. “Subsequently, some clauses were distorted by a religious slant and that in itself is discrimination because the constitution is supposed to unite and not divide.”

“Maybe the constitution will change with the next parliamentary and presidential elections,” he continued. “Or maybe it will temporarily stay unchanged and be amended later.”

“We must and will actively take part in any national dialogue in which we see a benefit for the nation,” he added. “But when we find that a dialogue ends before it starts and none of its results are implemented then we realize that it is not in the interest of the nation.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• AP Interview: Egypt's pope criticizes Islamists (AP)