SOCIETY
EGYPT`S POPE `SORRY` FOR BISHOP`S KORAN COMMENTS
Baku, September 27 (AZERTAC). The leader of Egypt`s Coptic Christians has apologised for "inappropriate" comments by a bishop that cast doubt on the authenticity of some Koran verses.
"I`m very sorry that the feelings of our Muslim brethren have been hurt," Pope Shenouda III said on state TV.
Earlier, Bishop Bishoy had said that - contrary to Muslim belief - some verses of the Koran may have been inserted after the death of Prophet Muhammad.
Egypt`s al-Azhar Islamic authority said the comments threatened national unity.
"This kind of behaviour is irresponsible and threatens national unity at a time when it is vital to protect it," said Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayyeb in a statement issued on Saturday by al-Azhar, one of the key centres of religious learning in Sunni Islam.
He was reacting to comments carried in the Egyptian media in which Bishop Bishoy, the Coptic Church`s second highest clergyman, called into question the Koranic verses disputing the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
The bishop reportedly said the verses were inserted after Prophet Muhammad`s death by one of his successors.