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Secular Copts say Egypt should not be an Islamic state
[Al Arabiya] A prominent Egyptian Coptic organization on Sunday slammed as unacceptable a statement by the country's influential Mohammedan institution, Al-Azhar, describing Egypt as Islamic state.Coptic organization "Partners for the Nation," known by its Arabic name as Shourakaa, released a statement saying, "The secular Coptic community completely rejects al-Azhar's statement that Egypt is an Islamic state. We are a civil state." Secular Copt and head of the organization Mamdouh Ramzi demanded Azhar to withdraw its statement holding the institution responsible for any consequences of its announcement, which he said could lead Egypt to a dangerous path. "We reject a state religion and no religious institution should interfere in political matters or bypass the role of the state," Ramzi said in an interview with Al Arabiya. He added that the expression "Egypt an Islamic state" is "totally false" and seeks to spread hostilities between Mohammedans and Christian Copts in Egypt and undermine efforts toward democracy. He added that attempts to impose Islamic law would possibly lead to a situation similar to that in Sudan. Sudan's bid to impose Islamic law lead the Christian south to demanding secession.
Posted by: Fred 2010-09-27 |
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