How are Christians persecuted in Egypt?
- Christians often face discrimination in their communities, from harassment on the streets to bullying at school. Christian men are treated like second-class citizens in the workplace, including recruitment, while Christian women face significant violence in public.
- Muslim mobs sometimes force Christians to leave their homes, after accusations of blasphemy. These incidents mostly happen in Upper Egypt, where radical Islamic groups are active.
- Converts from Islam face intense pressure – including death threats – from their own families and communities.
- Some church leaders have even been killed by these groups. In several incidents, Coptic believers have been attacked, unjustly detained and, in one case, killed.
“My father accused us of deceit, calling us infidels, and furiously told us that we should be killed.”
Raef*, a convert from Islam
Why are Christians persecuted in Egypt?
- Egyptian President al-Sisi speaks positively about Christians and attempts to promote unity, but local authorities often fail to protect Christians from attacks. Church leaders who speak out against injustices are likely to be targeted by either the authorities or Muslim extremists.
- Building new churches is difficult in certain areas of Egypt, and Christians face hostility and violence from their communities.
- Christians who convert from Islam can also face severe pressure from their families to return to the religion.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Egypt?
- Most attacks on Christians happen in the Upper Egypt region, in the south of the country, where radical Islamic militants are most active. Christians in poor rural areas in the north also face similar oppression from radical Muslims.
- Throughout the country, converts from Islam are especially vulnerable to persecution.
What has changed in Egypt in the past year?
- Egypt fell two places on the World Watch List, but the level of persecution hasn’t changed – the drop was because persecution worsened in other countries.
- 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.
“Through the ministry’s support, I started to feel inner power that I was able to face hard situations.”
Julie*, a young Christian supported by Open Doors partners
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.
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.
*Name changed for security reasons
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.
