Appealing for prayer: Bishop Mouneer Hanna Anis
(Photo: © Jeremy Woodham/CMS)
Student groups and some political parties have called for the public action after 77 people were killed after the football match and more than 2,500 injured in subsequent clashes.
The Rt Rev Mouneer Hanna Anis, Bishop of Egypt and North Africa with the Horn of Africa, has expressed his heartbreak at the situation.
"It looks as if the country is experiencing labour pains which may end up by the birth of a new baby, a new democratic Egypt. But it could also be the pains prior to a stillbirth, or an abortion!" the bishop wrote in an letter to friends around the world.
"I can hardly imagine that this is my beloved country, Egypt."
Many people believe the massacre was arranged by the old regime, and have called for three days of civil disobedience from 11 February. Bishop Mouneer said all the Anglican churches in Egypt would be open for prayer during this time. "We pray that it will pass without violence."
Meanwhile, says, Bishop Mouneer, the Church in Egypt is active. St Mark’s Pro-Cathedral in Alexandria organised a three-day revival meeting that involved praise, teaching and prayer for Egypt. "Over 800 people attended these meetings and 130 signed up for the Alpha Course."
Further plans include a gathering of representatives from different denominations at All Saints Cathedral in Cairo on 14 February, to pray for unity. On 21 February, heads of denominations will gather for the second time to discuss the establishment of the Egypt Council of Churches.
"Please join us in prayer for Egypt, for the stability of the country, for those who will write the new constitution, for safety and protection for all, and for the unity of the church," says Bishop Mouneer.