Reverend Tara Curlewis, General Secretary, National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) said “The Coptic Orthodox Church has a deep rich faith originating in the first century when the Apostle Mark first arrived in Egypt. The Christian faith has enabled the church and her people to remain faithful even when experiencing hostility and persecution. The current wave of persecution must stop”.

“We express our profound condolences and prayers to the families of the victims, the wounded and to all the people of Egypt at this difficult time. The NCCA will continue to stand in solidarity with the Coptic Orthodox Church as well as raising concerns of human rights violations and the safety of Egyptian (Coptic) Christians with the Australian Government” said Ms Curlewis.

This event is a grim reminder of other tragedies in the region, including an attack on Coptic worshippers in Nag Hammadi, Egypt on 7 January 2010 and the lethal assault on the Church of Our Lady of Salvation (Sayidat al-Nejat) in Baghdad, Iraq on 31 October 2010.

The NCCA expresses once again its deep concern and solidarity while affirming its unequivocal support to the churches of Egypt in these troubled times during which Coptic Christians continue to provide living examples of true Christian witness, to the point of martyrdom. The people of Egypt both Christians and Muslims are called to engage in peaceful dialogue, reconciliation and unity.

The NCCA appeals to President Mubarak of Egypt, to religious leaders and to governments across the region to act swiftly and boldly to safeguard the fundamental religious rights of worshippers of all faiths, to ensure security in the face of violence and to guarantee justice for all people.
 

Rev Tara Curlewis is available for Interview

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