ARCHIVED - Public Safety Minister Toews comments on attendance at Christmas Eve mass at St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church in Winnipeg

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Winnipeg, January 6, 2010 — The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, today issued the following statement on his attendance at Christmas Eve mass this evening at St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba:

"I was pleased to join Canadian Coptic Christians in celebrating one of their holiest of days. The spirit of the Coptic Christian community has been an inspiration for all Canadians who value the right to practice their religion free from tyranny, threats and violence," said Minister Toews. "As Prime Minister Harper said today, this year, recent violence and persecution of Eastern Christians – in particular the violence against Iraqi Christians and last week's terrorist attack on a Coptic Church in Egypt – have sadly cast a dark shadow over this year's Christmas celebrations, which should be a time of peace and joy. We condemn these attacks and further threats of violence towards Eastern Christians."

For further information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

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