Picking up the pieces

Coptic or Muslim, the citizens of Egypt are Egyptians, writes Abdel-Moneim Abul-Futuh*

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The last thing Egyptians need is a quarrel between Muslims and Christians. What happened recently in Alexandria was truly alarming, but then again one cannot take things at face value. A Muslim brandishing a cleaver has attacked worshippers in a church, presumably in retaliation to the Danish cartoons. The man in question was later proved to be mentally deranged and undergoing treatment, but the incident looked like an attack on Copts worshipping in a church. The ensuing indignation and outrage was in order, but thankfully it has abated; the truth is the incident was just a deranged man doing the unthinkable. But allow me to contribute a few points to the public debate.

First, the solution of any problem begins with the admission that it exists. We need to admit that there is a Coptic problem and begin moving immediately and steadily towards resolving it. There is much tension in this country as a result of the stifling despotism we've all endured for the past 50 years. It is natural under such circumstances that tensions should build up in the way we've just seen.

Sadly, Coptic leaders have augmented the grievances felt by Egyptian Copts by tightening their grip in an unprecedented manner on all matters Coptic. As time went by, many in this country began to suspect that Egyptian Copts were more loyal to church than to state. The Copts were portrayed as a community that seeks refuge in the church, not in the institutions of the state. Perhaps because of human nature, church leaders gave that impression to the public; the impression that the church, and not the state, is the protector of the Coptic community. That impression was further amplified by the weakness of the Egyptian state, a weakness of which Counsellor Tareq Al-Bishri has much to say. Church leaders should have encouraged Egyptian Copts to seek help from the state and get satisfaction from the state's legislative and executive branch. This was a mistake, and it is one that we have to correct ourselves -- Muslims and Copts -- for neither government nor clerical officials are likely to help us in this regard.

Second, we must all remember that no Copt has ever been found guilty of betraying this nation. Not one Copt has ever been involved in espionage for Israel, for example. Egyptian Copts don't need me to commend their patriotism. But a friend has just mentioned this to me, and I am repeating it here in all pride.

Third, Egyptian Copts complain that they have been excluded from key official posts. This grievance has to be addressed. It has to be discussed in public and various national agencies. I have the impression that the clergy is not going to take much interest in such temporal matters. So perhaps Coptic seculars should take up this issue, for it is relevant to the welfare of everyone who lives in this country.

Fourth, as I looked further into this matter, I sensed that there are certain individuals -- Muslims and Copts -- who make a living off sectarian debate. Such people want the debate to go on forever, so they may hold further conferences and seminars about it. Such people would find nothing to fill their time should this issue be tackled by others who have the wisdom, expertise, political savvy and moral probity to resolve it. I am also confident that we have no shortage of people -- Copts and Muslims -- who can put this issue to rest once and for all.

Finally, Christian Arabs and Egyptians have made an essential contribution to Islamic civilisation, language and culture. Allow me to mention Adib Ishaq, Makram Ebeid, Shafiq Shehata, Suleiman Qelada and Edward Ghali, among others. Many ordinary Christians who live in rural and urban areas have a sense of belonging to this culture, a culture that is rich with language and tradition. Let's forget about sectarianism and be proud of who we really are. We're all Egyptians. And we all have the right to dream of equality, justice, prosperity and freedom. Let's focus on our true problems. Let's think of our common destiny. Let our motto be: one God, one country.

* The writer is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood's Guidance Bureau.