We are in dire need of an Egyptian civil body to unite Egyptians, Muslims and Christians and protect us from similar sorrowful events. Such a body would interfere to contain problems once they sprout, preventing them from exploding. It is time to activate and consolidate the criteria of civil rights and to dissuade Christians from taking refuge in their religious institutions when under duress, proving that their homeland upholds equal rights for all indiscriminately. This article in Watani addresses an issue that is also addressed in the following articles in week 52:
- See art. 9: Where does the cleric’s role start and end?
- See art. 10: Finally Wafā' Costantine on Christian fasting at Wādī al-Natroun Monastery
- See art. 14: Costantine's handover to church violates the constitution
- See art. 21: Specifying religion in I.D. cards
- See art. 23: No resemblance between Turkey’s Justice Party and Egypt’s Brotherhood
- See art. 33: The Episcopal Church wishes Mubārak's peace and development efforts success
- See art. 34: Why do Copts refrain from political life?

For a background on Wafā' Costantine see the results of our own fieldwork in AWR, 2004, week 51, art. 13.