An Egyptian Coptic Orthodox church source said the church will advise Copts not to protest, but will not stop “those who insist on taking to the streets in a peaceful civilized manner.” The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Copts participated as individuals in protests staged since Tuesday, noting that many have been arrested. However, leaders of the Coptic diaspora have welcomed the nationwide protests calling for social, economic and political reform. Michael Mounir, head of the US Copts Association, disapproved of churches calling for non-participation in the protests. He said that protesters' demands are the same for all Egyptians as they include dissolving parliament and other political and social demands. Medhat Eweida, a Coptic activist in Canada, expressed support for protests staged over the past two days, which, in his view, maintained civility despite the violent response of security forces. Eweida called on the regime to listen to protesters who represent all Egyptians. Ezzat Boules, another Coptic activist in Switzerland, disapproved of the Coptic Church's attempts to limit Coptic participation in political affairs, saying such actions would isolate Copts from their society.
