Libya church attack condemned

Coptic Pope Tawadros II has condemned an attack on a church in Libya.

Two men were killed in an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building on 29 December.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Funerals were held on Wednesday for victims Wagdi Malak Hanna, 40, and Ashraf Samy Adly, 26.

Pope Tawadros II said: "We condemn in the strongest possible terms these terrorist acts that target houses of worship and we appeal to the peoples of the world and their governments to fight such terrorism …religions are founded on love and peace and forbid aggression against innocent people."

Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said, "The Coptic Orthodox Church has been in Libya for over twenty years, and it is sad that this has happened now, especially at this time of celebration.

"We hope that it is not a sign of things to come, and pray for peace in Libya, Egypt and throughout the Middle East, the birthplace of Christ."

According to Associated Press, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr said an investigation would be launched into the attack and that those responsible would "be put on trial".

News
Between two cultures: an Afghan Christian in the Netherlands
Between two cultures: an Afghan Christian in the Netherlands

Esther*, who was born in Afghanistan and raised in the Netherlands after her family fled the country when she was three, speaks to Christian Today about her journey of faith, life between two cultures, and her hopes and fears for Afghanistan’s future.

The groundbreaking BBC series that brought Jesus to TV screens
The groundbreaking BBC series that brought Jesus to TV screens

Seventy years ago, in February 1956, the BBC aired the mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth”, which was the first filming of the life of Jesus to be created for television. This is the story …

Christians mobilised to oppose extreme abortion law changes
Christians mobilised to oppose extreme abortion law changes

Christians are being asked to urge peers to support amendments tabled by Baronesses Monckton and Stroud.

Thousands of Christians return to churches in north-east Nigeria despite years of terror
Thousands of Christians return to churches in north-east Nigeria despite years of terror

The faithful are returning “in their thousands, not hundreds” despite more than a decade of brutal violence.