"We as the Church in Southern Africa are in solidarity with the Coptic
Orthodox Church in mourning the death of our beloved brothers and
sisters", says His Exc. Mgr. Victor Phalana, Bishop of Klerksdorp (South
Africa) and President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Southern
African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC), in a message of condolence
for the victims of the Orthodox Coptic Church of St. Mark in Cairo
perpetrated on Sunday 11 December.
"People who have committed this crime – continues the note sent to
Agenzia Fides - are not helping the situation at all in improving
Inter-Religious Dialogue and they should be brought to justice. Religion
cannot be used to justify their vicious acts".
The SACBC stands together with the faithful of the Coptic Orthodox
Church to pray for the repose of the souls of all who lost their lives
and the quick recovery for those who were injured during the bombing
incident.