Egypt: lack of law and order affecting Christians
ICC Note:
Salafis—who follow the radical Wahhabi doctrines of Islam found in Saudi Arabia—continue to discriminate against Christians in Egypt. On November 5, Salafis illegally “occupied” church-owned property in the Shubra district of Cairo because they do not want the church to build a fence. Earlier in November, a Christian business man was kidnapped (and later released) and in late October a Christian concert was prevented from taking place because Salafis called it an evangelistic event. In this update, Middle East Concern asks the international church to pray for Christians in Egypt who are becoming increasingly persecuted by radical Islamic groups without being protected or granted equal rights by the country’s new Islamist-dominated government.
11/7/2012 Egypt (Middle East Concern)- Greetings in the name of Jesus
Egyptian Christians have requested our prayers following a series of similar incidents in several provinces across the country in which Christians have been threatened or attacked. Egyptian Christians are keen to stress that there are a range of motivations behind these incidents, and the primary call is for prayer that effective rule of law will be established and applied equitably to all citizens and institutions throughout the country.
On 5th November a group of Salafists occupied church-owned land in the Shubra district of Cairo. Church leaders informed the Interior Ministry who arranged for the Salafists to leave the site the next day. However this problem is ongoing as Salafists do not want the church to put up a fence or an administrative building, in spite of the fact that all legal documents have been in order for some time and the Church has the support of the Governor. Church leaders have urged members not to engage with Salafists who visit the site.
In early November the General Manager of the Coptic Agricultural Bank in Minya was kidnapped. He was released on 4th November. A ransom was demanded. However, effective police action led to the man being released with no payment made.
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Egyptian Christians request our prayers that:
a. The government of President Mursi will uphold the rule of law, ensuring the equitable treatment of all citizens
b. This will be enshrined in the new constitution, which is currently being drafted
c. The situation in Shubra will be resolved and the church’s right upheld and respected by all
d. Church leaders will know the Spirit’s enabling wisdom to respond to injustice with tact, firmness and clarity while maintaining a faithful and clear witness to Jesus
e. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
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