Epigraph:
Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged — and Allah indeed has power to help them — Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ — And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty. (Al Quran 22:40-41)
A Coptic Church in Abu Dhabi
New Egypt’s charter enshrines the right of citizenship for every Egyptian
By Samir Salama, Associate Editor GULF NEWS
Abu Dhabi: New Egypt’s charter enshrines the rights of citizenship and equality for every Egyptian, Muslims and Copts, said Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark yesterday.
Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria, is seen receiving a memento from Ehab Hamouda, Egyptian Ambassador to UAE, during his press conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Dismissing persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt, Pope Tawadros II told a news conference held in Abu Dhabi, as neighbours at home, partners at work, friends in schools and colleges, Muslims and Christians have been living in harmony for more than 14 centuries. “But some problems between Copts and Muslims pop up from time to time. The new constitution will help solve these problems, so that justice and peace prevail,” the Coptic Pope said, winding up a several days visit to the UAE.
It is the first time Pope Tawadros II has visited the UAE and it is the first time he has conducted mass in an Arab country outside Egypt since he became leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in November 2012.
The visit by the Pope, which began Friday upon invitation from President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al NAhyan is also a gesture of recognition for the country’s support for Egypt in its current political transition.
Pope Tawadros hailed the UAE’s stand under the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in backing the Egyptian people after the June 30 revolution.
“I’ve come to give thanks to the UAE, Their Highnesses, the government and the people of the UAE for the strong support they provide to Egypt during these days,” Pope Tawadros said.
He stressed that his visit to the UAE projects the fondness between the people of the two countries.
He added that Shaikh Khalifa is walking the same road and with the same values as the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The UAE was among Gulf states that backed changes in Egypt last summer and pledged billions of dollars in aid packages to Cairo in a bid to shore up its flagging economy.
On Sunday, Pope Tawadros inaugurated the altar in Mar Mina Church, located in the port town of Jebel Ali, and led the church service.
Pope Tawadros II urged Egyptians to vote in upcoming presidential elections, due to begin Thursday for Egyptians living abroad. Elections will start back home on May 26-27.
Categories: Africa, CHRISTIANITY, Egypt
The true Islamic state (syariah system) is not like we see in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Hamas, Sudan, Golf States, democratic secular, justice for all citizen, equality, majority lead government and government have to protect the right of all minority regardless his race, nationality, gender and beliefs..
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The ruler, or President can not take a side of religious, have to be neutral..
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Based on Al Quran;
1. Justice for all look at QS.60;7-8
2. Protect the right minority.look at 4;75
3. Secular system look at QS 4:59
4. Democratic system look at QS 3;159
5. All citizen have to obey the existing authority look at QS 4;59.
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What we see in Saudi Arabia, Iran etc. is Government do not treat all people fairly. They treat all religious minority unjust. This is not Islamic system even they use the name of Islamic state.
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With love