Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox are proud to be slain by ISIL for their Christianity. That is awesome

National Post, 11 April 2017

It was not their choice to be killed because they were Christians. It is their choice to receive that martyrdom precisely as Christians, strengthened

It is an awful thing — a blasphemous thing, a sacrilegious thing — to massacre people at prayer, as ISIL did on Palm Sunday in Egypt, killing more than 40 Coptic Orthodox at two churches, including the cathedral in Alexandria.

It is an awesome thing — literally rendering us full of awe — to behold the death of those killed while most fully Christian, singing God’s praises and giving witness to Him.

This is not the first jihadist massacre of Christians in Egypt; not so many years ago there will killings of Christians leaving Christmas Mass. I try not to let the lack of novelty diminish the hot and righteous anger that ought greet such assaults, but this time was different. By the time I heard the news — I spend less time following the travails of the world on Sundays — I was also able to hear the response of the Coptic Church. I bow my head before their great faith.

Newman House ManagerApril 11, 2017National Post, Church Affairs