Egyptian Christians welcome change in President

Christian leader Ramez Atallah, head of the Egyptian Bible Society has welcomed the removal of President Mohamed Morsi by the armed forces, according to the US based Crossmap website.

“We all felt very proud to be Egyptians and to be among so many wonderful compatriots from Christians to conservative, Muslim, veiled women,” Atallah said.

The concern, enthusiasm, passion and love for our country which we all shared was exhilarating and made us all the more loyal to our great nation,” Atallah shared. “Their attempt to impose political Islam on Egypt is one of the major causes of the present very widespread revolt.”

“So instead of worrying for us, rejoice with us for the remarkable events happening in our country,” the Bible Society leader added.

“Pray that the unprecedented unity expressed between all Egyptians who reject the forceful imposition of political Islam will result in a new Egypt where people with different persuasions can live alongside one another in harmony. This is the Egypt I remember from my youth and the Egypt most Egyptians yearn for.”

Atallah was joined by other Christian leaders who made similar comments.

“At last, Egypt is now free from the oppressive rule of the Muslim Brotherhood!” says Mouneer Anis, the Anglican Bishop of Egypt in an official statement. “The Armed Forces took the side of the millions of Egyptians who demonstrated in the streets since the 30th of June against President Mursi and the Muslim Brotherhood. The Armed Forces responded to the invitation of the people to intervene and force the President to step down at the request of the people of Egypt. Field Marshall Abdel Fattah el-SiSi invited His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and The Grand Imam of Egypt Dr. Ahmed el-Tayyib, and other political leaders, to discuss the roadmap for the future of Egypt. After this meeting, it was announced that the head of the constitutional court will be an interim leader of the nation. The current controversial constitution is now suspended. The new government will involve capable people from different backgrounds.

“As soon as Field Marshall Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced this, millions of Egyptians on the streets went around rejoicing, singing, dancing, and making a lot of fireworks. I have never seen Egyptians “rejoicing in such a way! They deserve this joy as they insisted to write their own history!

“Since the Muslim Brotherhood ruled the country a year ago, we Egyptians experienced divisions, exclusions, sectarian clashes, fanaticism, a decrease in tourism, and a bad economy.

“This is an answer to the prayers of so many people from around the world who were praying for our beloved country Egypt. Please continue to pray for protection from violent reaction of the Islamists which already has started. Pray also for unity and reconciliation after more than 1 year of divisions.

“May the Lord bless you!”

The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church tweeted his support for the millions of people demonstrating in the streets in the days leading up to the change of president.

“How wonderful are the Egyptian people recovering their stolen revolution in a civilized manner with the idea of “rebellion” and its great youth’s sacrifice. I pray for all the people of Egypt.”

The Coptic Pope, Tawadros II, is head of the largest group of Christians in Egypt.