A number of Copts and Christian leaders in Alexandria have rejected a Muslim Brotherhood invitation to join the group's proposed Freedom and Justice Party.

They attributed their rejection to the principles and goals of the party, which they described as obscure. They said the planned party is based on religion, which is unacceptable to the Coptic Church. 

Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie on Monday invited Christians to join the proposed party, saying the invitation was intended as a reassuring message for Egypt's Copts.

Rady Iskandar, pastor at the Evangelican Church in Alexandria, said he refuses to join any political party based on race or religion, whether Islam or Christianity.

Iskandar also criticized Badie for issuing the invitation himself, saying that Badie should have focused on the promotion of Islam as a pillar for the group and left policy for politicians. Iskandar said he believes policy and religion should not be mixed.

Moheb Shafiq, a People's Assembly official connected with the Cathedral of Orthodox Copts in Alexandria, voiced concerns about Badie's invitation. He said that since the revolution, diverse coalitions and political parties have emerged, the goals of which remain vague.

Joseph Malak, general coordinator for the Free National Coalition, which is still being established, said Badie’s invitation was unacceptable and that it will not appeal to Alexandrian Copts.

Malak also said that the Brotherhood’s party principles remain unclear.

Translated from the Arabic Edition