Source: The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy
Author(s): Amy Fallas
Original Link: https://timep.org/commentary/analysis/when-unity-discourse-dismisses-systemic-sectarianism-in-egypt
Amid a rise in violence against Coptic Christians in Egypt during the month of Ramadan in April 2022, Pope Tawadros II issued a public statement calling upon Egyptian officials to preserve inter-communal peace for all Egyptians. The usually diplomatic Pope referenced a series of high profile incidents targeting both the Coptic clergy and laity such as the shocking murder of Coptic priest Father Arsanios Wadeed on the Alexandrian corniche, reports of kidnapped Coptic women in Upper Egypt, and refusal of food service to Christians. Although Pope Tawadros offered a more robust critique than usual, his address was still characterized by a common appeal from state officials and religious leaders during periods of sectarian tension—that all Egyptians are equal and any suggestion of a national sectarian problem is an anti-patriotic scheme to divide the country.
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