The “Freedom” of Churches in Egypt

A news story from the fall has been resurfacing in my mind a lot lately. Islamic “experts” criticized Franklin Graham for saying that Christians don’t have the freedom to build churches in most Muslim countries. One of the countries they used to “disprove” Graham was Egypt.

But over the past few months, many news stories have detailed obstacles that prevent Christians from building or repairing churches in Egypt. Churches must meet ten conditions, and then must receive a presidential decree. One Middle Eastern journalist says that Christians “view these regulations as confirmation of their Dhimmi or second-class citizenship status.”

Whereas a mosque can be secretly established during the night, establishing a church is a long and painful process. During the rains this winter, the roofs of some churches have collapsed because the government has delayed issuing construction permits for years.

In 2005 the president decided that governors could issue the presidential decrees required for building churches. Yet the governors can also stall issuing decrees. One church was demolished in order to be replaced by a new building. But the governor said the new church could not be built until the pastor also demolished his home and found “somewhere else to sleep.” The congregation has been meeting in a tent for almost a year. It collapsed at least once in January, and becomes soggy in the rain. They church members say, “come rain, come heat, nothing will stop us from praying.”

What is stopping us from praying for them?

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of Your great love, You who save by your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings” –Psalm 17:6-8

News source: Assist News