Cardinal Bertone urges respect for Christians in Egypt

Cairo, Egypt: January 13, 2010, (PCTV Newsdesk)

After recent anti-Christian attacks in Egypt, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, called for the country to appreciate the contributions of Egyptian Christians to society and to respect their "fundamental right to religious freedom."

The Vatican cardinal noted that new efforts should be made to foster collaboration, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among peoples of different faiths in Egypt, "especially when it comes to communities that have been there for a long time."

After underscoring that the Coptic Christians attacked in the town of Nagaa Hamadi are part of a community "that has contributed to the development and the history of Egypt," Cardinal Bertone reaffirmed "their fundamental right to religious freedom" and called for Egyptians to appreciate "the contribution that Christian communities have made to the development of the society in which they live."

This contribution, he explained, "is recognized by all, even by non-Christians, and by the heads of Muslim states, especially in the areas of education and social assistance."

"We want to reestablish a positive relationship with each and every community."

News source: www.catholicnewsagency.com