The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written to Egyptian church leaders assuring them of their "committed solidarity" during this period of social and political insecurity.

The letter was sent to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the Most Reverend Mouneer Anis, the President-Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East.

In the letter, the Archbishops say they have been "very mindful of recent developments taking place in Egypt" and that they were "very grateful" for the presence at last week's General Synod of Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom.

Bishop Angaelos was at Synod as an ecumenical observer and also delivered an address in which he spoke of his hope for reconciliation and the part the churches would play in this.

The Archbishops wrote: "As Presidents of the General Synod, we are sending this message of committed solidarity with you at this time. We join in the call to pray for Egypt for unity and reconciliation and the ending to all violence, praying that all parties may be able to work together for a common future."

They added: "May the Lord grant you grace and strength in this ministry of reconciliation."