False Accusations Regarding H.G. Bishop Serapion’s Involvment with Inflammatory Film Against Islam
September 21, 2012
The Honorable President Mohammed Morsi
After our Greetings,
We were very dismayed by the accusation of the Salafi Front and some of the Islamic group lawyers towards Coptic leaders and by the generalization of accusations towards all the Copts of the Diaspora and the respectable Church fathers for being involved in the film insulting Islam. For example, sending a subpoena requesting HE Metropolitan Pakhomious, the acting Pope, to hear his testimony and the involvement of HG Bishop Serapion, Bishop of Los Angeles, in this indictment.
The Church has announced her position very clearly and candidly regarding this film from the very beginning. First, HE Metropolitan Pakhomious issued a statement condemning this film. Next, the Holy Synod, headed by HE Metropolitan Pakhomious and in the presence of HG Bishop Serapion, issued a statement that unanimously condemned such action which is completely incompatible with the Christian values and emphasized that whoever participated in this film is not a true Christian.
Thus it is not acceptable or logical to debate the sincerity of the Church fathers and bishops towards the motherland, Egypt, and their dedication to keep its Integrity and unity. Both HE Metropolitan Pakhomious and HG Bishop Serapion are known for their national identity and their excellent relationship with our Muslim brothers.
Moreover, HG Bishop Serapion held a press conference in Los Angeles to reject this atrocious and offensive film. The Muslim brothers in attendance emphasized the sincerity of the Copts of the Diaspora and refused to generalize the accusation towards
the Church fathers and bishops.
Also several statements were issued by the bishops of the Coptic Church and all her representatives and organizations, inside and outside Egypt, to denounce and condemn this act. Therefore, why do these hurtful accusations towards the church leaders and representatives still persist?
Mr. President,
These complaints and accusations impact the national unity and fuels the sectarian strife so we respectfully submit this letter to you to protect the motherland, defend the innocent, lift the injustice and maintain the cohesion of its national unity.
You have our sincere thanks.
HE Metropolitan Seraphm Metropolitan of Glastonbury, England and the British Orthodox Church
HG Bishop Missael Bishop of Birmingham (the Midlands in UK)
HG Bishop Morcos Bishop of Shobra Elkheima
HG Bishop Youannes General Bishop and Secretary of of the Thrice Blessed Memory Pope Shenouda
HG Bishop Antony Bishop of Ireland, Scotland, N.E. England & its Affiliated Regions
HG Bishop Bernaba Bishop of Torino & Rome in Italy
HG Bishop David General Bishop in USA
HG Bishop Boules General Bishop for Mission in Africa
HG Bishop Aghathon Bishop of Brazil
HG Bishop Gabriel Bishop of Austria
HG Bishop Kozman Bishop of North Sinai
HG Bishop Sorial Bishop of Melbourne in Australia
HG Bishop Michael Bishop of Virginia and its Surroundings in the USA
HG Bishop Apakir Bishop of the Scandinavian Countries in Europe
HG Bishop Angaelos General Bishop of Stevenage in UK
HG Bishop Demian General Bishop of Germany
HG Bishop Daniel Bishop and Abbot of the Monastery of Pope Shenouda in Sydney, Australia
HG Bishop Youssef Bishop of the Southern USA
