Church commends Egypt's non-violent revolution

The representative body of Protestant churches in India Wednesday commended the people of Egypt for using non-violent means to bring down a repressive regime.

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) said it joined the people of Egypt in welcoming a new era of democracy and victory over "empire-centered power structure".

"The collective inventiveness of people coming together for a common societal cause made the so-called powerful dictator and his empire to fall at the feet of the people and their strength. As surveyed, this revolt is not only a historical event but also a reassuring affirmation that the power of people is stronger than any mighty emperor," the general secretary of NCCI, Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, said in a statement.

"NCCI joins the people of Egypt and affirms that the non-violent methods of tackling the violent forces bear fruits in history," he added.

Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak last week resigned from his post, handing over power to the armed forces and ending a 30-year rule on the largest Arab nation.

The protests that began on 25 January were triggered by widespread unrest in Egypt over unemployment, poverty and corruption.

Highlighting the role of youth in the uprising, NCCI said it recognized "the power of youth which was at the forefront in making history".

"The Egyptian youth have proved to be a source of strength and inspiration to the world youth at large. The UN has declared the year 2010 - 11 as the 'International Year of Youth' with the theme 'Our Year – Our Voice'. The young Egyptians have brought meaning to the UN's declaration and theme. We affirm that the power of youth is the heart of any society," the Council representing over 13 million Christians said.

The leaders in the Coptic Church in Egypt as well praised the youth for their efforts to change the political order, acknowledging that they had "shed their blood for the country".

Coptic leader Pope Shenouda III spoke of the need for Egypt to become a civil democratic country that does not uphold one particular religion, and called for "clear and transparent" elections.

On Wednesday, head of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, said the revolution was a "miracle and an encouraging sign for all of us that justice and freedom can be established through peaceful and non-violent actions."

"The strong desire for changes we see now in many countries in the Middle East is a sign of how important it is to have political and democratic rights respected, and to have a focus on the wellbeing of the people in terms of the right to food, work and freedom to worship safely and without fear," Tveit said.

The Egyptian revolution followed a popular uprising in Tunisia which brought about the downfall of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.