The Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar, Ahmed al-Tayyeb, has called on Egyptian to confront attempts by "suspicious parties" to ignite sectarian divisions, along with immediate trials for those suspected of sedition.
Tayyeb, in a statement, urged his country-men to remain united and to thwart local and foreign plots against Muslim-Coptic unity.
Commenting on a Friday assault on a church in the Upper Egyptian city of Edfu, the sheikh called for the enforcement of the law against those involved in such incidents, either through direct participation or instigation.
The past few months have witnessed a surge in sectarian clashes between Egypt's Muslims and Christians over church buildings and conversions.
Observers believe the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has failed to find effective solutions to the problem.
