Abba Raphael, general secretary of the Holy Synod, told Copts United that the church's position remains constant to prevent Copts from visiting Jerusalem for national purposes, and only the elderly were allowed to visit Jerusalem as pilgrims.He added that the presidency is currently treating the church very well unlike many years ago.
He added that sectarian incidents in Upper Egypt comes as a result for poverty and unemployment and should be treated by developing Upper Egypt and raise its standard of living.
