Coptic Solidarity At a time when Saudi Arabia seems to be retracting from its longtime role of spreading Wahhabi (“radical”) Islam to the world, the Egyptian government has launched a project that indicates it wants to take on the mantle of overseer and disseminator of Islamic education and da‘wa. An entire new city, alternatively known as “Islamic Mission City” or simply … [Read more...]
Another Church ‘Catches Fire’ in ‘Radical’ Region of Egypt
Coptic Solidarity Yet another Coptic church recently “caught fire” in Muslim Egypt. On Sunday, Mar. 24, 2024, a fire broke out in the Church of St. George in Akhmim, Sohag governorate. With the help of church youth and locals, civil authorities managed to quench the blaze. Mass was held in the church earlier that day, and the building was empty when the conflagration began. … [Read more...]
Copts Beaten, Stabbed for Playing Christian Music in Cairo Suburb
Coptic Solidarity Another incident indicative of the state of affairs for Egypt’s Christian minorities, the Copts, recently occurred. After opening his modest carpentry shop north of Cairo one morning, Mina, 34, tuned in to listen to the Coptic mass, though—and all things considered—by keeping the volume very low. It was not enough. A Muslim man identified only as … [Read more...]
Islamists and State Collude in Abducting and Islamizing Coptic Christian Girls in Egypt
Coptic Solidarity Yet another Coptic Christian girl has “disappeared,” with the authorities abetting the kidnappers in Egypt. On Jan. 22, 2024, Irene Ibrahim Shehata, 21, disappeared in between mid-term exams at the Faculty of Medicine at Assyut National University, where she was a second year student. Her frantic family immediately went to police. Although charges were … [Read more...]
Lenient Ruling against Murderers of Coptic Christian Raises Questions
Coptic Solidarity A court ruling concerning the murder of a Christian man has left many of Egypt’s Copts disappointed and, once again, feeling discriminated against. Background: In April, 2022, three masked men pulled up near the workshop of Rani Ra’fat, a 28-year-old Coptic engineer. Once the Christian appeared, a hail of fire was opened on him. He died on the spot; 22 … [Read more...]