CSW urges churches to pray for Egypt

On Sunday 9 January, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) will call upon Christians throughout Britain and Europe to pray for the community of those who lost their lives during the bomb attack at the Coptic Church of the Two Saints (al-Qiddissin Church) in Alexandria, Egypt, on 1 January.

At Midday (1200 GMT) churches will take part in a peaceful remembrance of the acts of violence against worshippers and CSW’s Chief Executive, National Director, Advocacy Director and members of the CSW Board of Trustees will join with Coptic Christians at the Cathedral of Saint George at the Coptic Orthodox Church in Stevenage.

Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, said: “We are deeply saddened and disturbed that once again, days of joy and celebration have been turned into a time of mourning and weeping.

“Our immediate thoughts and prayers are with all those who were affected by the bombing: those who have lost their lives, their families, those who were injured, members of that parish, Christian communities in general, and Christians throughout the land of Egypt.

“We pray for the peace of all, Christians and Muslims alike, and that every Egyptian may enjoy freedom and security to live and practice faith without fear of violence or terror; protected by the various arms of the nation state they call home.”

Mervyn Thomas, CSW’s Chief Executive, who will speak at the service said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all as they mourn the deaths of their brothers and sisters at this most difficult time. We pledge ourselves to stand with our Egyptian Christian family and call on the Egyptian authorities to ensure that justice is done in this situation. Steps must be taken to ensure that this violence against the Christian community is not repeated, and all official discrimination against Christians ended.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Matthew Jones, Public Affairs Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 7826 938 360, emailmatthewjones@csw.org.uk or visitwww.csw.org.uk.

CSW is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.