Egypt
The Coptic Orthodox church is the largest in Egypt and the entire Middle East. It is approximately 7-10 million strong (6 -10% of the population), but since the church in Egypt is not allowed to carry out an official census, accurate figures are difficult to ascertain. The Egyptian Church faces pressures in a number of areas.
The distinction between civil law and Shari’a (Islamic Law) in Egypt has been deliberately eroded over the years. Significantly, in 1980, the National Assembly accepted an amendment to the Constitution, designating Shari’a as “the…principal source of legislation” instead of “a…principle source of legislation”.
Although the violence of the 90s perpetrated by Islamic extremists has largely been eliminated, sporadic violence against Christians continues as a result of communal tensions. This violence has often gone unpunished by the Egyptian legal system and there seem to be no clear and consistent attempts by the authorities to prevent similar violence in the future.
Latest news
Egypt: Christian teacher convicted on blasphemy charges 13/06/2013
Egypt: CSW expresses concern at "disproportionate" sentencing of NGO workers 06/06/2013
Egypt: siege on Cathedral highlights escalating sectarian violence 08/04/2013
Egypt: Two Copts sentenced to three years imprisonment for Maspero gun theft 06/02/2013
Egypt: Renewed calls for justice, equality and human rights on second anniversary of uprising 25/01/2013
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Response magazine
Alerting international decision-makers about the worsening situation in Egypt 01/01/2013
CAMPAIGN UPDATE 20,000 people sign CSW’s No Way Out petition 01/11/2011
A voice for freedom 01/07/2011
No Way Out: Campaign update 01/07/2011
Bringing change through prayer 01/05/2011
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Prayer diary
Pray for the Middle East 16/06/2013
Pray for Egypt 03/02/2013
Pray for Egypt 25/11/2012
Egypt 22/07/2012
Egypt 15/07/2012
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Press releases
Egypt: Christian teacher convicted on blasphemy charges 13/06/2013
Egypt: CSW expresses concern at "disproportionate" sentencing of NGO workers 06/06/2013
Egypt: Copts arrested following attack on St Marks Cathedral 12/04/2013
Egypt: siege on Cathedral highlights escalating sectarian violence 08/04/2013
Egypt: Two Copts sentenced to three years imprisonment for Maspero gun theft 06/02/2013
more...
Reports
Egypt: update on recent developments 01/07/2012
EGYPT: Second Round of Voting Takes Place in Egypt 16/12/2011
Egypt - religious freedom profile 01/09/2009
Egypt - Attack on Abu-Fana Monastery, El Minya 26/09/2008
Egypt - Religious freedom profile 01/07/2008
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