Coptic Connections

As I was rehearsing for worship with the Coptic Orthodox, I told them that my congregation back home was praying for them as they struggled to survive the terror of church burnings and killings. An Orthodox woman who teaches theology in Cairo told us that she feared for the safety of her daughters and granddaughters. However, she also said that the leaders were very clear and passionate in their insistence that the Coptic Christians not respond to violence with more violence. When their churches were burned down, they went into the ruins to still pray and spray-painted on the remains of their walls: "We love our Muslim brothers and pray for them."

As they chanted the scripture readings, some of them were spilling over with joy. I can't understand this, but in the midst of fear & angst, they found hope. What an inspiration.