“In Egypt’s constitution, it is said that Egypt is a Muslim country and the country’s religion is Islam,” explained Karim, a student at a Bible college. “With this item in the constitution, it gives the idea to radical Muslims that having a church is not part of the Islamic country and that Christians are not a part of the Islamic community. Therefore, they condone having night clubs but not having a church.”

Mariam, also a student, elaborated, “We are living in a no-law state and survival of the fittest. The Christians have great naiveté so the state treats them as slaves. That’s easy to make them waive their rights. Consequently, the government does not work hard to issue them official papers for building churches.”

The issue goes deeper. It’s not just about Christians praying in churches, but also an underlying fear that the Church may grow. “The elder sheikhs fear that Muslims might convert to Christianity. In general, it is possible for Muslims to tend towards Christians or Christianity. So they resist building any church.”

This tension is visible within the halls of Egypt’s government. In order to maintain Egypt’s Islamic identity, few Christians are found. Yet, some Muslim leaders are sympathetic to the plight of Christians. One member of Parliament told ICC under the condition of anonymity, “Always the problems start when a church is being built. This shows the ideology and culture that reflect the extent of underdevelopment and ignorance in the villages.”

The member of Parliament continued, “Let the Christians build churches as they please! And when they feel freedom, they will build only what they need.”

Another national leader shared similar sentiments, “Sensitivity to building a church is difficult, although the Church is a fundamental supporter of instilling values and the principle of love and tolerance. I fear that all violence against children, and women, and adults leaves a spirit of hatred… We dream of a secure future where the community loves each other and shares in the joys and sorrows.”

For now, this is but a dream. A dream that gets battered with each new mob that attacks a church. A dream that is shattered each time the authorities are unable or unwilling to protect the rights and security of Christians.

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org