Egypt's Coptic Christian church is facing criticism over its role in organizing rallies in support of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi during his visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly. "We stress our opposition to Egyptian churches taking the lead in mobilizing demonstrations, regardless of whether they are for or against the president. "We urge Egyptian churches to stay clear of politics and restrict themselves to their spiritual and religious tasks." Buses were lined up outside churches in New Jersey, home to a large Egyptian Coptic community, to take them to New York city. Activists on social media described the church's role as disgraceful, while others interpreted the reliance on the Christians for the New York rallies as sectarian.

Source: ABC News September 21, 2016 12:48 UTC