Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber on Thursday attended a ceremony marking the reopening of the Virgin Mary, Anba Bishoy and Anba Karas Church in Shubra after its full renovation and decoration, following the issuance of a decision formally legalising its status.
Saber said the Egyptian state, under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, was continuing efforts to strengthen citizenship and promote coexistence among all Egyptians.
He said the legalisation of churches demonstrated the state’s respect for freedom of belief and its provision of an appropriate environment for worship under the rule of law, according to a post on the Cairo Governorate’s official Facebook page.
The reopening of the church after its renovation and legalisation reflected the state’s commitment to protecting places of worship and promoting equality, citizenship and freedom of belief, Saber said.
He added that Cairo governorate placed great importance on supporting all places of worship and addressing any obstacles they faced in coordination with the relevant authorities.
“Egypt has been and will remain a unique model of coexistence, bringing its people together as one national fabric,” Saber said.
He praised Pope Tawadros II and church leaders for their sincere national efforts, expressing hope that the church would remain a beacon of love and peace.
