CAIRO: The Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church is entering the technological age. According to the Alexandria-based Coptic Church of Egypt, there are plans to launch a new satellite television channel in September targeting youth in Egypt and abroad. The “Christian Youth Channel” will be launched in at least 7 languages and aims to help Coptic youth living in Egypt and abroad by “defining their religion and homeland and to protect it from some of the organizations carrying false images of Egypt,” a statement from the Church said. Already, dozens of Muslim channels preaching to a younger generation have sprouted up in Egypt. The most famous of those is American University in Cairo-educated Amr Khaled, whose influence has spread widely. The church called on leadership of the American government to take advantage of the “experience of President Mubarak as the leader of the Middle East to resolve the Arab – Israeli conflict.” The channel aims to bring about a moderate view of all religion through Coptic belief. The church confirmed that the channel would broadcast next month through programs produced by priests living abroad in order to target all Coptic Orthodox believers living outside Egypt. Although the channel's main aim is targeting Copts abroad – the face of what the Church has repeatedly condemned as “radical” statements – the channel should be available for Egyptians to view on regular satellite providers. **reporting by Mohamed Abdel Salam BM
