How are Christians persecuted in Egypt?
- In Egypt, most persecution happens at the community level, such as harassment of Christian women or mobs expelling Christians after alleged blasphemy. These kinds of incidents are a particular problem when Islamic extremists are present.
“My father called us infidels, traitors. I had never seen him so filled with anger and hatred.”
Adam
- Christians with a Muslim background face enormous pressure from their families to return to Islam. Adam*, a believer from a Muslim background, shares, “[My father] called us infidels, traitors. I had never seen him so filled with anger and hatred. He even said we deserved to be killed and threatened us with harm if we stayed in the village.”
- Despite the persecution, many believers are keen to share their faith with others. Laila*, a young believer from a Muslim background who has faced many challenges for her new faith, says, “I want to share about God’s love with other people and help them change by God’s power.”
Why are Christians persecuted in Egypt?
- Egypt’s president speaks positively about the country’s historical Christian community, but weak law enforcement leaves believers vulnerable to attack.
- Despite promises from the president that a church will be built in every new neighbourhood, construction of new churches remains restricted.
- The state makes it impossible for conversions to be officially recognised.
- Security services maintain a strong grip on converts from Islam to Christianity, regularly detaining and abusing them and forcing them into isolation.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Egypt?
- Christians living in rural parts of Egypt or places where Islamic extremists are active face the most risk of violent persecution.
- New believers who are former Muslims are also particularly vulnerable to persecution.
What has changed in Egypt in the past year?
- Egypt has fallen two places on the World Watch List, but the overall situation for its Christians remains unchanged.
- There was a slight drop in reported incidents of violence, but pressure on Christians from the state and from family and the local community is still very high.
How can I help Christians in Egypt?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Egypt. Your gifts and prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Through partner ministries and churches, Open Doors supports the church in Egypt with initiatives like Christian discipleship, leadership development, literacy training, medical outreach, widows ministry and other long-term work to help strengthen God’s people.
*Names changed for security reasons
Lord, Your people have been present in Egypt since You led Joseph to a place where he could save his family and his people. Now, God, we come before You asking You to again look at the situation in Egypt and protect and preserve those who follow Jesus. Bring hope where there may be temptation to despair; bring comfort to those who have endured abuse or violence; and bring joy to the people who want to follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
