Minister calls for protecting churches

Egypt’s Minister of Endowment Mukhtar Gommaa stressed the need for protecting the Egyptian churches, saying that the attacks against the churches are similar to the targeting of mosques. He added that the attacks against the churches are considered violation against the country as whole.

He added, in an interview with “Arabs Today”, “We should cooperate to eliminate the terrorism as soon as possible, as the terrorist threat will not be limited to one party at the expense of others.” He added that his ministry will take strict decision against any preachers loyal to any of the extremist groups, including Muslim Brotherhood.

He called the people for informing the authorities about any one involving in the extremist groups, adding that it is their duty towards their country and religion. He stressed that those people who were killed during defending the church are martyrs like those who could be killed during defending the mosques.

He praised the initiative adopted by Egypt’s Minister of Education Tariq Shawky to distribute the books of ethics and values in the schools and universities, saying that these books have been reviewed by the ministry, Azhar’s Grand Imam and Pope Tawadros.

He added that the ministry published a book to discuss the protection of Egyptian churches, saying that it was published by 13 languages. He added that the book aims to increase the public awareness over the importance of protecting the churches from the terrorist attacks.