Egyptian Coptic leader Pope Shenouda III called for a secular state
in Egypt in light of calls by Islamic groups to establish an Islamic
regime.
Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi leaders have recently expressed this intention.
The Brotherhood’s Deputy Supreme Guide Khairat
al-Shater said Thursday that the group is preparing to install an
Islamic government.
Leaders of the group, which was banned under
ousted president Hosni Mubarak, said they are seeking models for a
democratic country based on Islamic principles.
The statements were criticized by Copts and others.
Shenouda told state TV on Sunday, “We want Egypt
to be a democratic civilian country.” He expressed a wish that Egypt
will revive its leading position in the Middle East.
He said that the 25 January revolution was a
peaceful one that called for values and concepts in which everyone
believes. He hoped that such ideas will be realized so reform can be
achieved.
Shenouda said all Egyptians seek peace, adding
that no clashes between Muslims and Copts erupted during the first days
of the revolution, but those that took place in Minya and Qena
afterwards damaged the country’s interests.
The city of Abu Qerqas in Minya witnessed
sectarian clashes last week in which two were killed. Citizens in Qena
have been calling for a new governor since a Coptic one, associated with
the former regime, was appointed.