Monday, January 07, 2013

Libya church attack condemned

Coptic Pope Tawadros II has condemned an attack on a church in Libya.

Two men were killed in an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building on 29 December.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Funerals were held on Wednesday for victims Wagdi Malak Hanna, 40, and Ashraf Samy Adly, 26.

Pope Tawadros II said: "We condemn in the strongest possible terms these terrorist acts that target houses of worship and we appeal to the peoples of the world and their governments to fight such terrorism …religions are founded on love and peace and forbid aggression against innocent people."

Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said, "The Coptic Orthodox Church has been in Libya for over twenty years, and it is sad that this has happened now, especially at this time of celebration. We hope that it is not a sign of things to come, and pray for peace in Libya, Egypt and throughout the Middle East, the birthplace of Christ."
 
According to Associated Press, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr said an investigation would be launched into the attack and that those responsible would "be put on trial".