Anglican churches in Egypt have voiced their offence over recent statements by Coptic Pope Shenouda III, who, in his most recent sermon, declared that Anglicans did not adhere to Biblical teachings. "We categorically reject Pope Shenouda's statement," said Rev. Refaat Fikry of the Shubra Anglican church. "We are well aware of the teachings of the Bible and we follow them ardently."
"The pope wants to say that the Coptic Church is the only true church," Fikry added. "He is trying to denigrate our role."
Rev. Sami Fawzy of Alexandria's Anglican church agreed.
"The Bible represents the essence of our belief," he said, pointing out that Shenouda's comments would have been more palatable had they been directed to all churches and not singled out the Anglican Church for criticism.
SIC: ALAL