Country profile: Egypt
Country profile: Egypt
Country profile: Egypt
Country profile: Egypt
Wednesday 7 December
Christians account for around 10% of the Egyptian population. The majority belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. While the Egyptian constitution guarantees freedom of belief and practice for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism - these freedoms are not equal in reality. For example, conversion to Islam is permitted, but not away from it, except in the case of those who were not originally born Muslim.
• Regulations that restrict the number and size of church buildings are also stricter than those for mosques. President El-Sisi has eased these these, but prejudice still leads local governors to deny approval.
• Christians have sometimes experienced mob violence and been targeted by terrorists. Many churches were attacked after the 2013 overthrow of President Morsi.
• Traditional "reconciliation" sessions, sometimes used after attacks on Christians and their property, are rarely seen to deliver justice to Christian victims. On the positive side, the El-Sisi government is committed to preventing extremism and has various initiatives to promote religious tolerance.
Wednesday 7 December
Christians account for around 10% of the Egyptian population. The majority belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. While the Egyptian constitution guarantees freedom of belief and practice for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism - these freedoms are not equal in reality. For example, conversion to Islam is permitted, but not away from it, except in the case of those who were not originally born Muslim.
• Regulations that restrict the number and size of church buildings are also stricter than those for mosques. President El-Sisi has eased these these, but prejudice still leads local governors to deny approval.
• Christians have sometimes experienced mob violence and been targeted by terrorists. Many churches were attacked after the 2013 overthrow of President Morsi.
• Traditional "reconciliation" sessions, sometimes used after attacks on Christians and their property, are rarely seen to deliver justice to Christian victims. On the positive side, the El-Sisi government is committed to preventing extremism and has various initiatives to promote religious tolerance.
Wednesday 7 December
Christians account for around 10% of the Egyptian population. The majority belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. While the Egyptian constitution guarantees freedom of belief and practice for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism - these freedoms are not equal in reality. For example, conversion to Islam is permitted, but not away from it, except in the case of those who were not originally born Muslim.
• Regulations that restrict the number and size of church buildings are also stricter than those for mosques. President El-Sisi has eased these these, but prejudice still leads local governors to deny approval.
• Christians have sometimes experienced mob violence and been targeted by terrorists. Many churches were attacked after the 2013 overthrow of President Morsi.
• Traditional "reconciliation" sessions, sometimes used after attacks on Christians and their property, are rarely seen to deliver justice to Christian victims. On the positive side, the El-Sisi government is committed to preventing extremism and has various initiatives to promote religious tolerance.
Communities and government
Egypt's government is openly positive about the Christian community but there is often a lack of law enforcement when it comes to acts against them, such as physical attacks, harassment and forcible displacement. Often, Christian communities are persecuted at a community level particularly in rural areas and are treated like second-class citizens.
Communities and government
Egypt's government is openly positive about the Christian community but there is often a lack of law enforcement when it comes to acts against them, such as physical attacks, harassment and forcible displacement. Often, Christian communities are persecuted at a community level particularly in rural areas and are treated like second-class citizens.
Communities and government
Egypt's government is openly positive about the Christian community but there is often a lack of law enforcement when it comes to acts against them, such as physical attacks, harassment and forcible displacement. Often, Christian communities are persecuted at a community level particularly in rural areas and are treated like second-class citizens.
Pray
Pray for a greater tolerance and acceptance of Christians in Egypt by the state, communities and members of other religions.
Tense Celebrations
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7 Egypt
Read 'Tense Celebrations' which reflects on the tense time Christmas is for the large but vulnerable Christian community. The build-up of tension comes form an historic accumulation of attacks against Christians, especially during key festivals like Easter, Christmas, and New Year.
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7' EGYPT.
Tense Celebrations
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7 Egypt
Read 'Tense Celebrations' which reflects on the tense time Christmas is for the large but vulnerable Christian community. The build-up of tension comes form an historic accumulation of attacks against Christians, especially during key festivals like Easter, Christmas, and New Year.
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7' EGYPT.
Silent Celebrations
Read 'Silent Celebration' which reflects on believers in Iran not being able to openly celebrate Christmas.
Written by Omeed Jouyandé from SAT-7's Persian channel, SAT-7 PARS.