Reaction Against al-Qaeda

Muslims in Egypt from all shades of the theological spectrum are speaking out against al-Qaeda in Iraq's anti-Christian declaration:

"But instead of turning against Christians, calls to protect them echoed from throughout Egypt's Islamic community.

"'This is something to be rejected and strongly denounced, and it serves none but those who want to spark discord and target national unity,' the head of Al-Azhar University, Ahmed al-Tayeb, said.

"Pope Schnouda III, the head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church, used his weekly address in Cairo on Wednesday to praise Al-Azhar and the 'sympathy' Christians have received from Egyptian newspapers, intellectuals and the ministry of interior, which has posted extra security outside churches.

"Leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, an outlawed Islamist group that represents the strongest opposition to Egypt's ruling political party, also strongly condemned the ISI and its statements.

"'The Muslim Brotherhood is stressing to all, and primarily Muslims, that the protection of holy places of all monotheistic religions is the mission of the majority of Muslims,' the group said."

(Crossposted to American Footprints)