Coptic Christian leader against dialogue with Jews

The leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church has discouraged inter-faith dialogue with Jews. Pope Shenoudah said that while he supported dialogue with Muslims and other Christians, he was against speaking with Jews, adding that “not until Jerusalem is freed from the Israeli presence will the Orthodox Coptic Church go there,” according to the American Jewish Committee, which published the remarks. Rabbi David Rosen, the AJC's director of inter-religious affairs, condemned Shenoudah’s “hostile, prejudicial comment against the Jewish people" and called on Christian leaders to communicate their own disapproval of Pope Shenoudah’s sentiments.” The AJC added that the Coptic Church had an active presence in Jerusalem, where it was recognized and protected by the State of Israel.