To single out the mistreatment of Copts and the failure of the state to protect them, as a “Coptic issue”, is a wrong diagnosis of the problem.
The Egyptian regime tries to show the world an image of respect for freedoms and rights while widely violating them.
To mourn the unjustly massacred and raise your voice against oppressors is unwelcome in the Coptic Church, but to interrupt prayers and let politicians speak during a mass is welcome and appropriate.
Less than four years have passed since the people of Egypt revolted against a tyrannical regime. Those tyrants have had all charges against them dropped, to many people's dismay.
Three years after the Maspero massacre, no justice has been served. This was a state crime, and more worryingly, the Egyptian state seems to be increasingly engaging in hostile acts towards Copts.
Ironically, the protest which was peaceful and demanded freedom for political detainees and an end to the "protest law" ended with more of them locked up and served with trumped up charges.
Although the majority of Copts are perceived as supporters of Sisi and many do see him as a saviour from the Islamists, time may reveal that Sisi does not have their striving for equality or their attainment of full rights as first degree citizens at heart.
While it is true that a civilian oversight on Egypt’s military might seem far from being attained for now, so is every other demand of the revolution. If 'human dignity' is one of the 25 January 2011 goals, then every political party and rights group should demand it for everyone.
With increasing workers strikes, gas shortages and daily power cuts in addition to a dwindling economy and tourism industry, Egypt’s presidential hopefuls, including Sisi, should be aware that using traditional tactics to solve Egypt’s problems is not going to work in his or anyone else’s favour.
Should the Coptic church be involved in Egypt's political transition? Or in politics at all?
