CAIRO: Pope Shenouda III, the leader of Egypt's Coptic Christian Church, decided to temporarily suspend the clerical council. He demanded investigating the incidents that took place after the strike that was organized by many Christians who protested against having their problems related to divorce and second marriages ignored. Sources revealed that the Pope ordered Bishop Paula to suspend the council in order to discuss the demands of the protesters. A source added that there will be investigations about what the protesters claimed about using a watchdog to scare off the demonstrators. The source also said the Pope has not determined the date of the clerical council will return. It should be noted that Christians organized a strike in front of the clerical council to protest against what they described as religious ignorance of their rights with regards to divorce and remarriage. The protesters detained Bishop Paula in the headquarters of the clerical council and prevented him from going out before he solves their problems. The security of the Cathedral attempted to scare off the protesters by using a watchdog. The protestors therefore called it the 'battle of the dog.' Protesters called for Pope Shenouda to dismiss the bishop who treats them like they are criminals. They also demanded the church to resolve their problems and to implement the law of 1938, which was amended in 2008. They also demanded passing a law for the state's civil marriage.
