Release International
Release condemns New Year bomb attacks on Christians in Iraq and Egypt |
| Jan 09 2011 |
Release International has condemned New Year bomb attacks against Christians in Egypt and Iraq as a further attempt to drive out Christians from the Middle East and to stir up unrest between religious communities.
The Egyptian authorities fear further attacks over the Coptic Christmas, which is celebrated on January 7. They have tightened security at churches and have cancelled police leave, according to news reports.
At least 21 people were killed and 79 injured when a bomb went off outside the Church of the Two Saints in Alexandria in the early hours of January 1.
Meanwhile, in Baghdad, at least two Christians died and 13 were hurt in a series of bomb attacks targeting Christians in the Iraqi capital on December 30.
‘We are seeing a pattern emerging in Egypt, Iraq and elsewhere, of attacks by Islamist militants against Christian communities,’ says Andy Dipper, CEO of Release International, which serves persecuted Christians.
‘The aim seems to be twofold – to drive out Christians where they are in a minority, and to set religious communities against one another to destabilise moderate governments.
‘We condemn the attacks and call on the authorities in Egypt and Iraq to protect their Christian minorities.’
In Egypt, worshippers at the Coptic Church of the Two Saints in Alexandria were leaving a midnight service celebrating the New Year when a suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives. As well as claiming lives, the blast caused extensive damage to the church and a nearby mosque. Eight Muslims were among the injured.
The apparently coordinated attacks in Baghdad on December 30 were all targeted at Christian homes in Christian neighbourhoods. In one incident, attackers left a bomb on a doorstep in the Ghadir district, rang the bell, then fled. Elderly couple Fawzi Rahim, 76, and his 78-year-old wife, Janet Mekha, were killed instantly when they opened the door.
Police confirmed to Associated Press news agency that six other homes in Baghdad were targeted by bombs, stun grenades or rockets.
So far no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks in either Iraq or Egypt but commentators have noted earlier threats by militants in Iraq to attack Christians in both countries.
The attack in Alexandria triggered clashes between local Christians and Muslims and police had to use tear gas to disperse the crowds. However, on Sunday morning in Cairo, hundreds of Muslims and Christians came together in a demonstration condemning the bomb attack and showing solidarity with the Copts. Christians and Muslims also joined a similar protest in Alexandria, close to the scene of the attack.
At the Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad, where more than 50 Christians were killed in a siege in October, Muslims and Christians assembled on New Year’s Eve to watch a play about a woman whose son was killed in the attack.
‘We encourage Christians and Muslims alike to refuse to allow the militants to stir up unrest,’ says Andy Dipper. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”’
Through its international network of missions Release supports Christians imprisoned for their faith and their families in 30 nations. It supports church workers, pastors and their families, and provides training, Bibles, Christian literature and broadcasts. Release is a member of the UK organisations Global Connections and the Evangelical Alliance.
ENDS
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
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