In Egypt: Controversial 'sheikh' objects to suspension of controversial 'priest'

Cairo - Dr. Salem Abdul Jalil, a professor of Islamic sciences at Egypt’s International University and former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Endowments, has criticized the decision of Pope Twadros II, Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, to suspend Makary Younan, the controversial pastor of St. Mark's Church in Azbakeya, from preaching following incendiary statements.

According to media reports, Pope Tawadros II issued an ecclesiastical decree suspending Makary Younan from preaching. In one of his public sermons, Younan dedicated an entire hour in response to Abdul Jalil’s controversial statements with similar statements which were deemed by many as offensive to Islam.

“I wanted Pope Twadros II to rescind this decision;” “Ideas and beliefs should not be tried as long as they do not split national unity.” said Abdel Jalil in press statements on Sunday. 

“Let us admit that international terrorism is a Western creation and a convergence of diabolical interests between different entities. Those terrorists are driven by their interests and the underhand interests of their sponsors. They are in no need of religious edict from a cleric or religious leader to practice their terror. In actuality, religious leaders are most likely targeted by terrorists,” he emphasized.

Abdul Jalil pointed out that the difference in beliefs, ideas and visions is completely normal and a timeless rule of God Almighty. Thus, coexistence, despite the difference, is a divine command so as to achieve the Qur’anic axiom stating (which means): “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”

Abdul Jalil himself was banned from preaching over incendiary televised statements he made on the invalidity of Christianity as a religion.

Father Makary Younan’s St. Mark’s Church is one of two major hubs for weekly Coptic exorcisms, known to attract scores of exorcism seekers from Cairo and the surrounding areas every week.