More statements of solidarity with Egypt's popular uprising are being issued by churches and Coptic figures both inside and outside Egypt.
Coptic bishops, meanwhile, have warned against what they call the "spirit of insurgency" against Coptic Pope Shenouda III, who has voiced support for embattled President Hosni Mubarak and has called on Coptic clergy to support his regime.
The Egyptian Committee for Peace and Justice, affiliated with the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops, stated: “Peaceful protests, which began 25 January, are no less important than the nonviolent struggle in India or the emancipation of the slaves in North America."
The committee called on state television channels to stop smearing the image of those calling for political reform and charging them with treason, stressing that protesters' demands should be met–especially those pertaining to social justice and wealth redistribution.
A statement signed by prominent Muslim, Christian and secular figures has called for a "response to the popular demands articulated on 25 January for the sake of the country’s stability."
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
