The Catholic Bishops of Egypt have decided not to call upon the new government to rescind Article 2 of Egypt's constitution, which declares Islam to the state religion.
Article 2 specifically states, "Islam is the religion of the state. Arabic is its official language, and the principal source of legislation is Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia)."
According to Coptic Catholic Bishop Kyrillos William of Assiut, "We will never ask for its abolition because it would [injure] the feelings of Muslims. In the future we will ask to add some assurances for the non-Muslim communities."
The Orthodox Copts, in the meanwhile, have not only consistently called for a secular Egypt, but also recently marched by the thousands in Cairo to demand the removal of Article 2 from the Egyptian constitution.
The Copts have also had no qualms with chanting in public, "With our blood and soul, we will defend the cross."
As a Catholic, I am embarrassed by the actions of the Catholic Bishops in Egypt.
If they think that by cozying up to the Mohammedans, they will be placed on some sort of "protected list", they better think again.
It is truly a shame that my fellow Catholics in that nation don't have half the level of moral courage the Orthodox Copts have.
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