Pope Tawadros II says Egypt’s Coptic Church will not push its congregants to vote either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in upcoming referendum on draft constitution.
At a Thursday meeting with the Council of Catholic Churches in Egypt, Pope Tawadros II, head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church, said that Christians in Egypt enjoyed “complete freedom” to participate in the upcoming constitutional referendum, stressing that Copts should “go and vote.”
Tawadros II also stressed at the meeting that the Orthodox Church would not push Christians to vote either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in the upcoming poll.
The Orthodox Church sent a memo earlier on Thursday to the presidency regarding constitutional draft articles that it did not approve of.
Meanwhile, the Anglican and Catholic churches in Egypt announced their intention to take part in a third round of national dialogue – aimed at resolving the current political impasse – to be hosted by the presidency on Thursday.
Statement of the Coptic Orthodox Church
It is a citizen’s right to take part in any referendum or election that is held for our beloved country Egypt in any time. I therefore encourage all Egyptians to take part in the forthcoming referendum dated 15-Dec-12, where every Egyptian can express his will in freedom and responsibility and without any imposition.
We take this opportunity to assure that we are continually praying for the safety of our country Egypt, that God grants wisdom to every responsible, that security prevails in its parts and that the Lord preserves its people and land and nation for all.
Papal Residence – Cairo
13-Dec-12
Pope Tawadros II
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark
in Egypt and Immigration Countries