«Coptic Solidarity» received with great surprise and dismay the news about Egypt’s presidency “inviting” Pope Tawadros II to the presidential palace on Tuesday, November 20, in order to “congratulate” him on his recent enthronement.
This arrogant invitation, which amounts to a mere summon, is reminiscent of the days of the Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid or Ottoman Caliphates, where the heads of dhimmi communities were expected to provide loyalty and obedience to the Caliph, wali or sultan as soon as they assume office.
Indeed, Mr Morsi has been acting ever since assuming the presidency as a “Prince of the Believers” or a Wali, rather than as a president of a modern state.
We hence call upon the Pope not to accept to be subject to such humiliating blackmail, and to keep in mind that his personal modesty should not mean accepting contempt of his office. We further warn that such a visit will have serious humiliating implications on al Copts.
November 19, 2012