Pope Tawadros announced that the Church is only interested in spiritual aspects, and has nothing to do with politics or political parties. Since the outbreak of the Revolution, the Church has paid a big price for participating in politics. The Church has for the most part supported the ruling power, yet has at times supported the Revolution in attempt to gain popularity among Copts. Churches around Egypt have subsequently been subjected to attacks and demolition. This was part of the military’s greater scheme of dividing the nation in order to break the strength of the Revolution and to punish the Coptic Church, which had always supported Mubārak before the outbreak of the Revolution.

There is a critical need for the Church to take one position: either to support the Revolution, or to oppose it and thereby accept the current political and social situation. In order to guarantee the unity and cohesion of the Church, it is preferable that the Church does not interfere with political issues. Pope Tawadros has therefore decided to keep the Church out of politics. The subsequent restrictions and requirements imposed by the Church have however broken the national sentiment of Copts and have created internal divisions among the Coptic population and their religious leaders. 

Churches are becoming to controlling and arrogant and the leadership is thereby further distancing itself from the Coptic population. Additionally, bishops have sometimes neglected Copts and failed to assist them with problems, whether personal or religious. Moreover, on the pretext of maintaining order, churches have on numerous occasions been seen to close the doors on Copts coming to pray.

Pope Tawadros has the very important task of bridging the differences that currently exist between the Church leaders and various Coptic groups. The barriers need to be removed that prevent Copts from going to their churches to pray or celebrate festivals. Additionally, Copts must work together with the bishops and the clerical committee in order to encourage the unity of Copts. At the end of the day however, the Pope needs to intervene and encourage the cooperation of Coptic leaders and Copts. [Sāmī Fahmī, al-Ahālī, Jan. 23, p. 5] Read original text in Arabic