The head of Egypt's Orthodox Church, Pope Shenouda III, is considering salary increases for priests nationwide in a bid to cope with rising prices. Naguib Gabriel, chairman of the Egyptian Union for Human Rights Organizations, said in a statement a papal decree is expected to be issued within days. Gabriel said the bishop of Helwan and Maasara, Anba Bassanti, has decided to raise the salaries of priests at affiliate dioceses, also to address mounting costs of living. One source close to the Pope said Shenouda has been considering such an initiative for a long time, but was waiting until financial resources are at a sufficient level, so as not to negatively impact parish work. The same source explained that some parishes enjoy high revenues, making salary increases affordable, compared with other dioceses which depend on the Pope for support. Media reports say priests' salaries vary greatly and range between LE600 and LE2000. Salaries are based on several criteria, including previous job position and the size of parish revenues. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
