But whatever he said, if it offended Muslims, is no good in Pope Shenouda’s book. Of course, the Coptic Pope is doubtless aware that if he says anything else at this juncture, his community will suffer.
“Egypt’s top Christian leader denounces comments,” from AP, with thanks to JE:
In the first reaction from a top Christian leader, the head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church said in remarks published today that Pope Benedict XVI’s comments on Islam were “against the teachings of Christ”.
Coptic Pope Shenouda III told the pro-government Al-Ahram newspaper that he didn’t hear the pope’s exact words, but that “any remarks which offend Islam and Muslims are against the teachings of Christ”.
“Christianity and Christ’s teachings instruct us not to hurt others, either in their convictions or their ideas, or any of their symbols – religious symbols,” Shenouda was quoted as saying.
Your Holiness, with respect, don’t you think the Pharisees may have been hurt by Christ’s words? His disciples thought so, and asked him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” (Matthew 15:12). But that doesn’t seem to have stopped him.