The BBC reports:
President Hosni Mubarak has urged Egypt’s Muslims and Christians to stand united against terrorism after a bombing outside a church in Alexandria….
US President Barack Obama condemned “this barbaric and heinous act” and said those behind it had to be brought to justice….
This is the second consecutive Christmas that will be overshadowed by bloodshed for Egypt’s Coptic community.
On 6 January 2010 — the Orthodox Christmas Eve — six worshippers and a Muslim police officer were killed in a drive-by shooting close to a church in the southern town of Naga Hamady….
A nearby mosque was also damaged by [yesterday’s] explosion and the casualties included eight injured Muslims, the health ministry said. Three policemen and an officer guarding the church were also among the wounded….
The Islamist opposition movement, the Muslim Brotherhood, said no religion in the world could condone such a crime.
Despite the statements, hundreds of angry Copts clashed with police and local Muslims after the bombing, reportedly throwing stones and targeting the mosque near the church. Some cars were also set ablaze….
Thanks to Prof. Howard Friedman (Religion Clause) for the pointer.