Egypt attempts to close Copt church (Religion of Peace Alert)

WorldNetDaily.com ^ | September 21, 2003 | WorldNetDaily.com

[Jacob Kell]

WASHINGTON – Egyptian state and central security officers and soldiers attacked a small historic Coptic church in Assiut during Mass, arresting several deacons and others, throwing communion bread on the floor and stepping on it with their boots, according to reports received by the U.S. Copts Association.

According to the group, the attack on St. George Coptic Orthodox Church occurred Friday.

The officer in charge of the raid reportedly ordered the church priest to evacuate and close down the church. The priest refused, as did the parishioners. When their orders were not obeyed, the police officers attacked the priest, according to the report. Angry parishioners confronted the police, who surrounded the church and made arrests in an attempt to occupy the church.

"The news of the attack on the church spread through the city and thousands of Copts rushed to protect and aid the church," said the report from the association.

"As the scene developed police forces were surrounded by thousands of angry Copts chanting various cries of defiance, such as: 'By our spirit, by our blood, we will protect our cross!,' 'We will die martyrs defending our church!,' and 'We are ready to start a new age of martyrdom at the hands of the government!'"

The massive crowd of Copts prevented the government forces from arresting the priest, said the report. "It is unclear what motivated the security forces to attack this historic holy site, however, members of the Coptic Community in Assiut tell U.S. Copts Association that they fear fanatic policemen may have plans to convert the historic church into a mosque," said the association in a statement.

Observers say Islamic extremists have successfully infiltrated all branches of the Egyptian government, resulting in repeated attacks on Copts, their churches, and properties by members of the Egyptian government.

Michael Meunier, president of the U.S. Copts Association said it is time for President Hosni Mubarak to put an end to the abuse and to hold accountable those responsible for the continued harassment of Christians.

Assiut is the third largest city in Egypt with the Copts comprising a majority of its citizens.

[Jacob Kell]

Mubarak should show some huevos and purge his government and security forces of Wahhabi Islamofascist scum.

[EggsAckley]

they fear fanatic policemen may have plans to convert the historic church into a mosque,

Gee, ya think...?

[HaveGunWillTravel]

I think this calls for removing the ten commandments from all public buildings and electing Hillary Clinton president.

[cwb]

I wonder if we can expect a statement from CAIR about the fear and intolerance that these poor Christians are suffering at the hands of such hatred? NOT!

[cake_crumb]

"(Religion of Peace Alert)"

...And tolorance. Let's not forget the full slogan, rarely repeated anymore: Islam is the Religion of Peace, Love and Tolorance

[xm177e2]

Israel should expel all of the Palestinians and give that land to Arab Christians. Why shouldn't the Copts have their own state in the Gaza strip?

[born yesterday]

Copts are not just Christians. Copts are specifically Egyptian Christians. Copt is the ancient word for Egypt...from before the Muslim invasion.

[Jacob Kell]

Copts are the direct descendants of the ANcient Egyptians, are they not? They don't have the Arab blood of the Moslem majority, I believe.

[MarMema]

Thanks and please pray for the Copts. They are such good people and so devout. We have many in this area who managed to escape and I have found them to be so loving.

[Gal.5:1]

the church around the world bump.

[FormerLib]

...they fear fanatic policemen may have plans to convert the historic church into a mosque...

I can't imagine why RBJ hasn't been by to condemn these actions...or wait, I guess I do know!

[Travis McGee]

Just read "Mein Koran" to understand Mad Mo's Insane Murder Cult.

[sheik yerbouty]

Hmmmm....

[xm177e2]

Copts are not just Christians. Copts are specifically Egyptian Christians. Copt is the ancient word for Egypt...from before the Muslim invasion.

Okay, then give them the Sinai. :-)

(yes, I realize this thread is a few years old)