Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury following the terror attack in Egypt

Following today’s attack on Coptic Christians in Central Egypt, the Archbishop of Canterbury has issued the following statement:

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

I am heartbroken by the news of another awful attack on men, women and children, murdered because of their faith in Jesus Christ. In this time of deep sorrow and pain, we commit to prayer those who have died, those who have been injured and those who have lost loved ones. We pray that all might know the presence of God in this dark time and draw closer to the Great Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ.

 

We pray for the people and nation of Egypt, for peace, and for a united rejection of the horrific actions of those who perpetrate terror.

 

I pray for HH Pope Tawadros II as he leads the Coptic Orthodox Church, for wisdom and courage, for unshaking faith, for steadfastness and for endurance. It was a privilege to welcome His Holiness to Lambeth Palace earlier this month and to pray with him at Westminster Abbey. During this visit His Holiness presented me with an icon of the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution. Today we stand with all those who fear for their lives because of their faith. We stand with Pope Tawadros and all the Christians of Egypt, in prayer and solidarity.