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In Egypt, Christians often face discrimination in their communities. Christian women are harassed on the streets, especially in rural areas, and Christian children are bullied at school. Sometimes Muslim mobs force Christians to leave their homes after accusations of blasphemy. These incidents mostly happen in Upper Egypt, where radical Islamist groups are active. The Salafi al-Nour party, despite being a religious party, operates legally and exerts strong influence in poor, rural areas.
Egyptian President el-Sisi speaks positively about Christians and attempts to promote unity, but local authorities often fail to protect Christians from attacks. Building new churches is difficult in certain areas of Egypt, and Christians face hostility and violence from their communities.
In addition to their communities, Christians who convert from Islam can also face severe pressure from their families to return to the religion. Security services detain and intimidate converts, making it difficult to live openly as Christians.
In Upper Egypt, in the southern part of the country, society is more conservative and radical. Most attacks on Christians happen there, especially in the Minya Governorate. Christians in poor rural areas in the north, such as the Nile Delta, also face similar oppression from radical Muslims. But throughout the Muslim-majority country, converts from Islam face heavy pressure for their decision to follow Jesus.
Teachers, and classmates used to mockingly tell me that Christians are crazy, claiming that we worship three gods. A Muslim classmate once told me that she will slaughter me because I am Christian.
Julie, a Christian child in Egypt
Egypt fell by two positions on the World Watch List this year – but the persecution score is exactly the same, meaning things have not changed for followers of Jesus in this North African nation. This year, Christians in Egypt have been mostly affected by the deteriorating economy. This increased poverty and exacerbated already existing power dynamics between Muslims and Christians. Many Christians are treated as second-class citizens, relegated to performing menial jobs with poor safety conditions and limited pay. In particular, converts from Islam continue to face violent opposition, while in several incidents, Coptic believers have been attacked, unjustly detained and, in one case, killed.
Open Doors works through local partners in Egypt to support the church throughout the country with literacy training, education, advocacy, medical outreach, and youth, family and women’s ministries.
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brothers and sisters in Egypt who face persecution for their faith. Grant them courage, protection and strength. May Your love and peace surround them, and may they find hope and healing in Your presence, Amen.
