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
Egypt: Coptic church building destroyed 17/01/2013
Egypt: atheist sentenced to three years imprisonment for blasphemy and contempt of religion 13/12/2012
Egypt: six die in clashes following sit-in protests at presidential palace 07/12/2012
A new leader for Egypt’s Coptic Christians 08/11/2012
CSW welcomes announcement of Bishop Tawadrous as Pope and Patriarch of Coptic Church 05/11/2012
Determined to stand with the persecuted: Rev David Shosanya talks to CSW 18/10/2012
Challenging times for Egypt’s Coptic Community 12/10/2012
Egypt: No justice for victims on anniversary of Maspero Massacre 09/10/2012
Egypt: Christian homes and businesses destroyed in sectarian violence 03/08/2012
Egypt: CSW congratulates President Mursi and urges him to uphold civil and religious liberties 25/06/2012
more...
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
No Way Out: Campaign update 01/07/2011
A voice for freedom 01/07/2011
Bringing change through prayer 01/05/2011
Egypt country profile: No Way Out campaign: changing the lives of Egypt’s Christians! 01/03/2011
CSW’s Egypt campaign is now underway! 01/03/2011
Christmas in the desert 01/11/2010
"I can’t learn, marry or work freely..." 01/11/2010
Belonging nowhere 01/11/2008
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
Egypt 11/03/2012
EGYPT 20/11/2011
EGYPT 13/11/2011
Egypt 25/09/2011
Egypt 31/07/2011
EGYPT 05/06/2011
Egypt 20/03/2011
Egypt 13/03/2011
Egypt 20/02/2011
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
Egypt: Renewed calls for justice, equality and human rights on second anniversary of uprising 25/01/2013
Egypt: Coptic church building destroyed 17/01/2013
Egypt: atheist sentenced to three years imprisonment for blasphemy and contempt of religion 13/12/2012
Egypt: six die in clashes following sit-in protests at presidential palace 07/12/2012
CSW welcomes announcement of Bishop Tawadrous as Pope and Patriarch of Coptic Church 05/11/2012
Egypt: No justice for victims on anniversary of Maspero Massacre 09/10/2012
Egypt: Christians flee Rafah following threats by militants 02/10/2012
Egypt: Christian homes and businesses destroyed in sectarian violence 03/08/2012
Egypt: CSW congratulates President Mursi, urges him to uphold civil and religious liberties 25/06/2012
CSW welcomes new EU strategy on human rights 25/06/2012
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
Religious freedom profile: Egypt 01/08/2007
