Soapbox: Citizens of the church By Sameh Fawzy There is no cause for surprise at Pope Shenouda's recent prohibition of re-marriage by means of court orders, of individuals who have been divorced. The church resorted to a clear text within the Holy Book which in its view must not be jeopardised. What is significant however is the political implications within the larger context of the state and its institutions. The question arises if Copts are citizens of the state or Church? Pope Shenouda's position which was greatly lauded by many Copts is in line with the manner in which Coptic affairs have been managed for over three decades. A parallel "state" has been created for Copts, catering to their interests and representing them in the public sphere. The Egyptian state and political Islam contributed to this by inducing Copts to operate from outside of society's general political context. How can we blame the Copts then when they leap to defend their parallel state? Ever since the late president Anwar El-Sadat sought to establish his quasi-religious state he created with it one for political Islam and the other for Copts. The Egyptian state was reduced to ineffectual political institutions with an inflated security apparatus negotiating with the two other states. Copts appointed to parliament were neither involved in Coptic issues nor played an effective role within their community. Coptic intellectuals chose ideology or political utilitarianism in order to be left to operate in the original state. Others accepted the church's representation in return for limited prominence in business and finance. A third group, the expatriate community with its divisions was proxy to conflicting powers, receiving cash flows in return. The Copts subsequently feel that the "original" state is artificial and complex, one where their interests will not be resolved through court orders, press articles or political speeches heralding citizenship. They feel they can only be citizens of the church, moving on from it to the original state. Coptic concerns must emerge from the stranglehold of negotiations between the security apparatus and church. Only then will they become public files to be arbitrated by the political institutions of the Egyptian state. This week's Soapbox speaker is a political commentator.
