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".

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Street pastor case is a 'shocking' attack on freedom of religion and speech
Street pastor case is a 'shocking' attack on freedom of religion and speech

The Christian Institute, which is supporting the pastor, accused the police and Public Prosecution Service of "overstepping the mark".

Christian man prosecuted over ex-gay testimony urges Europe's Christians to take a bold stand for truth
Christian man prosecuted over ex-gay testimony urges Europe's Christians to take a bold stand for truth

A Christian man in Malta who was repeatedly dragged into court over three years for giving his testimony about leaving the homosexual lifestyle urged his fellow Christians to stand boldly for Jesus Christ amid rising cultural hostility.

Artemis II astronaut who isn't religious cried seeing the cross after Moon mission
Artemis II astronaut who isn't religious cried seeing the cross after Moon mission

NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman said that although he is not a religious man, he “broke down in tears” after returning from the mission and felt such intense emotion that he asked to speak with a Navy chaplain. 

Young men in the US overtake women on religious commitment, new data shows
Young men in the US overtake women on religious commitment, new data shows

Young men in the US are now more likely than young women to say religion plays a central role in their lives, marking a notable shift in long-standing patterns of religious belief, according to new analysis from Gallup.