The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written to Egyptian
church leaders assuring them of their "committed solidarity" during this
period of social and political insecurity.
The letter was sent to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, head of the
Coptic Orthodox Church, and the Most Reverend Mouneer Anis, the
President-Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle
East.
In the letter, the Archbishops say they have been "very mindful of
recent developments taking place in Egypt" and that they were "very
grateful" for the presence at last week's General Synod of Bishop
Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United
Kingdom.
Bishop Angaelos was at Synod as an ecumenical observer and also
delivered an address in which he spoke of his hope for reconciliation
and the part the churches would play in this.
The Archbishops wrote: "As Presidents of the General Synod, we are
sending this message of committed solidarity with you at this time. We
join in the call to pray for Egypt for unity and reconciliation and the
ending to all violence, praying that all parties may be able to work
together for a common future."
They added: "May the Lord grant you grace and strength in this ministry of reconciliation."