Unrest prompts Egyptian Christian leaders to postpone strategy meeting

November 27, 2012

A meeting between the new Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II and the leaders of Egypt’s Catholic communities has been postponed because of tensions in the country.

With Egypt in turmoil after President Mohamed Morsi claimed sweeping new powers, Christian leaders agreed that it would be prudent to reschedule their proposed meeting until December 11, hoping that calm can be restored. The meeting had been designed to allow Christian leaders to set common policies for responding to the political crisis.

The Coptic Pope has also postponed a visit to Alexandria, his patriarchal city, because of the escalating tension. A Coptic spokesman explained that the first visit by the Coptic leader should be an occasion for public celebrations, which would be inappropriate and potentially dangerous under existing circumstances.

 

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Further information:

• Tense atmosphere, the meeting between Patriarch Tawadros II and leaders of the Egyptian Catholic Churches has also been postponed (Fides)