Archpriest Bishoy (Bīshūy), Secretary General of the Egyptian Council of Churches, stated his concerns about the sectarian tensions in Egypt. He reasoned the creation of the Egyptian Council of Churches to unite the various elements of the Christian community on theological, legal and scientific issues, as well as promoting dialogue with Muslim. He stated that the new council is not an NGO or a political group, and that it fulfills all the necessary legal requirements. Father Bishoy believes that there is a need for the Coptic community to speak with a unified voice in order to highlight what he sees as the ongoing discrimination against the Copts in all levels of government and society. He emphasized the need for broader education and a more diverse media concerning religious issues to tackle this discrimination which remains present after January 25 Revolution. Bishop Bishoy's comments were made in light of recent attacks upon the Coptic community, notably the fatwás issued by some Islamic scholars against greeting Christians in Easter (Ahmad al-Sa'dāwī, al-Shurūq al-Jadīd, May 5, p. 4). Read orginal text in Arabic.
