Killings Mar Palm Sunday
D. S. Mitchell
Tanka, Egypt
Two Coptic church bombings have occurred in Egypt. The first attack was in Tanka, Egypt, a Nile Delta city. The bombing came during Palm Sunday services at St. George’s Church. The bomber placed the device close to the altar. 27 died and 78 were injured. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Alexandria, Egypt
Hours after the Tanka bombing, St. Mark’s Church in Alexandria, Egypt was attacked by a suicide bomber. Security patrol assigned to St. Mark’s stopped the terrorist who was wearing an explosive belt before he reached the church grounds. The terrorist blew himself up at the gate. The detonation killed two police officers and 14 other citizens within the bomb’s explosive zone, and wounded 41 others. ISIS, through its media wing, Amaq, took credit for the bombing.
Terror Groups
Of 91 million Egyptians only 10% practice the Coptic faith. The Coptic faith is based on teachings of the Apostle Mark. The attack came days after Egyptian President Abdel el-Sisi met in Washington, D.C. with Donald Trump. Top of conversation was a response to multi-national terror groups such as, Al-Qaeda and Isis.
Condemnation
President Abdel el-Sisi condemned the attacks as “barbaric” and an “outrageous action.” El-Sisi said, “it targets both the Copts and Muslims of the homeland.” He ordered investigations and promised to “hunt down the perpetrators.” He also, declared a three-day period of national mourning. Since the ouster of the Mubarak regime in 2011, the Copts have faced increased persecution and discrimination. The Copts have been subject to violence, including physical beatings, burning of churches and homes, and looting of personal property. Another Coptic church in Cairo was bombed in December, resulting in 25 deaths.
Broken Hearted
I watched many of these horrific events unfold over several hours in the Calamity Politics’ office, with sadness and outrage. We can’t show fear. It is important to stay engaged in world affairs, and forever ready to stand up against terrorist atrocities, and speak out against injustice. With the holiest days of Easter approaching, I am afraid that we may see more Christian believers murdered in the Middle East, and around the world.
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