Country profile: Egypt
Country profile: Egypt
Country profile: Egypt
Country profile: Egypt
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.
• Though the last year has been relatively peaceful, in the past Christians have 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.
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.
• Though the last year has been relatively peaceful, in the past Christians have 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.
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.
• Though the last year has been relatively peaceful, in the past Christians have 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.
Tight Celebrations
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7 Egypt
Read 'Tight Celebrations' which reflects on Christians relative freedom to live out their faith. Though tensions simmer below the surface, we give thanks in the last year there have been fewer reports of violence against Christians. Mary Joseph from SAT-7 Egypt shares a more immediate concern this Christmas - the economic hardship facing the country - and shows how SAT-7 is giving a voice to those who are struggling.
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7' EGYPT.
Tight Celebrations
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7 Egypt
Read 'Tight Celebrations' which reflects on Christians relative freedom to live out their faith. Though tensions simmer below the surface, we give thanks in the last year there have been fewer reports of violence against Christians. Mary Joseph from SAT-7 Egypt shares a more immediate concern this Christmas - the economic hardship facing the country - and shows how SAT-7 is giving a voice to those who are struggling.
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7' EGYPT.
Tight Celebrations
Read 'Tight Celebrations' which reflects on Christians relative freedom to live out their faith. Though tensions simmer below the surface, we give thanks in the last year there have been fewer reports of violence against Christians. Mary Joseph from SAT-7 Egypt shares a more immediate concern this Christmas - the economic hardship facing the country - and shows how SAT-7 is giving a voice to those who are struggling.
Written by Mary Joseph from SAT-7' EGYPT.