10.04.2017
Statement by the Archbishop of Dublin Following Attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt
Archbishop Michael Jackson has expressed solidarity with Coptic Christians in Egypt following two attacks on Sunday April 9. Both attacks targeted Palm Sunday Services which were attended by innocent men, women and children celebrating Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.
“We pray for Christians in Egypt who show such courage and resilience in continuing to witness to Christ despite increasing danger and rising attacks on their communities. We pray for their leaders as they continue to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of their people.
“Representing the Archbishop of Canterbury, I attended the consecration of Pope Tawadros II in the Cathedral of St Mark. I have been received by him as a Member of the Anglican Oriental Orthodox Commission. He was attending Mass in St Mark’s in Alexandria at the time of the second explosion. My thoughts and prayers are with him and all those affected by such atrocities on what was a day of solemnity and celebration in the Christian Year. Sunday’s Epistle reminded us from St Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2.6) We pray for solidarity in suffering, compassion in sorrow and stability in government in Egypt today.
“In Dublin the Egyptian Copts are members of the Dublin Council of Churches. In October I will welcome to Dublin members of the Anglican Oriental Orthodox International Commission which includes representatives of the Copts, Armenians, Syrians, Indian Orthodox and Ethiopians. Three years ago we met in Egypt”
Archbishop Michael Jackson