The Coptic Orthodox church has said that media reports alleging that the church rejects the participation of Muslims in Coptic Christmas celebrations scheduled for Thursday 6 January are untrue.
In statements to Egyptian Television, Father Armia, secretary to Pope Shenouda III, said the church welcomes Muslims on Christmas Eve, saying that not everything in the media should be believed.
Armia said Pope Shenouda will himself conduct the mass on Christmas Eve, and affirmed that Copts must not reject their fellow Muslims who have expressed feelings of sympathy and solidarity following the Alexandria church bombing in which 23 people were killed.
A satellite channel on Tuesday reported that the Egyptian Coptic church would not receive Muslims at Christmas.
