By John Pontifex of ACN
Coptic Catholic bishops in Egypt have hailed the result of the referendum on the country’s new constitution, which they say represents a crucial step towards religious freedom and other civil liberties.
In interviews with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, Bishops Kyrillos William of Assiut, Upper Egypt; Antonios Aziz Mina of Giza; and Joannes Zakaria of Luxor all spoke of their delight at the recent vote, which officials say showed a 98 per cent yes vote for the new constitution, drafted under the country’s interim regime.
The bishops said that such an overwhelming majority result gave the Government a clear mandate to act in accordance with the constitution’s precepts, which are seen as centring on the principle of freedom for all – regardless of race, religion, gender and age.
The bishops highlighted the contrast between the new constitution and its predecessor, ratified in December 2012 under the ousted President Mohammed Morsi, formerly of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was seen to assert the rights of Muslims at the expense of others.
The bishops also pointed to the new constitution’s emphasis on women, children and people with disabilities, whose rights they said were largely absent from the former constitution.
The bishops also said the rights of Christians were well represented in the new constitution.
Bishops William and Zakaria cited extracts from the constitution highlighting the priority need for new legislation governing the construction of churches, a process that until now has been slow and cumbersome for Coptic leaders.
The bishops said there was overwhelming public support in Egypt for religious freedom.
“I think we are about to start a new future and a new life. Before the referendum, I spoke to my people in the Masses that I celebrated and asked them to vote,” Bishop Zakaria said.
“When the result came through, there was singing and dancing for joy,” Bishop William said.
“Those who put together the constitution tried to think about all the categories – especially the women, the kids and the other religious groups.”
