Change comes at a price for Egyptian Christians

Egypt's interim president getting to business.
(Screen grabs courtesy Kodak Agfa/Flickr/Creative Commons)

Egypt (MNN) ― Egypt‘s new cabinet got to work this week, rolling sleeves up and tackling big problems.

Outside, former President Mohammed Morsi's supporters were ranting and marching through Cairo protesting against a military-backed cabinet and ouster. Greg Musselman, a spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs Canada says, "It appears it's in organized chaos in some ways, but then on the streets, you're seeing all this violence and the Muslim Brotherhood. They're certainly making their point being heard, but also using violence to try to get Mohamed Morsi back into office."

The new secularist-leaning government essentially shuts out the Islamists that were elected into power last year. However, notes Musselman, the price of the political tumult is being paid by the Christians. "They felt that they needed to make their voice more heard and as a result of that, they have set themselves up, in some ways, to be the scapegoats. The Muslim Brotherhood has already started attacking Christians."

Since Morsi was forced from office, there has been a string of attacks on Christians in different provinces in Egypt. "On one hand, they see the situation, all that's gone on as a positive; yet on the other hand, as we've seen in reports over the last week or two, the attacks against Christians, there have been deaths, there have been churches attacked, (and) Christian businesses."

Specifically, 12 days ago, a priest was shot dead by gunmen in northern Sinai. Five days later, the body of a beheaded Christian man was found in the same area. Arson attacks on Christian houses and shops have also been reported in remote southern villages.

Just this week, a church near Minya, in central Egypt was looted and destroyed and the priest fled for his life. A number of other churches in the region suspended summer activities and postponed several gatherings. Musselman explains, "For the most part, Christians have been pretty low key when it comes to these kinds of situations because they know that retaliation can be something that would happen very naturally if they got involved because of the political and religious dynamic that takes place in the country."

At the beginning of the upheaval, there was hope expressed by the Christian community in Egypt, Musselman says. "The hope is that with the changing of the guard again that they will be more sympathetic to Christians. There may be less persecution coming from the state government, but again, with the radical groups who are not going to sit still, the fear is that these attacks will continue to increase." Despite the threat hanging over the heads of believers, Musselman says the Church will not cower in fear. "We really need to be praying, and that's the [request] coming from Christian leaders in Egypt: ‘Please pray for us. This is a time of great opportunity.' Also what's being said is that ‘Many are coming to know the Lord.'"

In these troubled days of Egypt, the followers of Christ are finding the paradox of persecution to be true. The violence of the militants is prompting questions among Muslims. "There is more of openness to the Lord and to the message of the Gospel." Click here for a link to more ways to get involved.

Christians the scapegoat of Egyptian coup

Egypt protests July 2013. (Photos courtesy Kodak AGFA)

Egypt (MNN) ― On one hand, Egypt appears calm as the interim prime minister assembled his cabinet over the weekend. He's trying to lead the country under an army-backed "road map" to restore civil rule after the military removed President Mohammed Morsi.

On the other hand, Egypt's Muslim extremists, enraged over the ouster, have apparently zeroed in on the nation's Christian minority, scapegoating them even though the Islamist leader was widely unpopular. E3 Partners Middle East expert Tom Doyle says, "I talked to leaders up in Alexandria that have said it's an absolute mess up there. It is on the radar, not as much as Cairo and Tahrir Square, but there are some terrible things happening."

Despite the recent seeming unity among the 20+ million on the streets calling for Morsi to step down, Doyle thinks this was not an unexpected reaction. "The believers, as they were elated with the removal of Morsi, they also at the same time were bracing themselves for blowback. So they were telling us, ‘Please pray for us."

More people packed the streets to call for Morsi to leave than elected him into office. Despite the fact that Christians could only make up a small percentage of the millions, Morsi's supporters seem to be targeting them for retribution, notes Doyle. This may be due to rumors that Christian leaders masterminded Morsi's removal. "It's everything that they detest. They can't really go after the military; they're not strong enough. The logical result is they're going to attack Christians, and we're seeing it."

It didn't help matters when the face of Christianity in Egypt took a public stand. "The Coptic pope came out and said some things in support of Morsi's removal, and then in support of the interim government. You could just see this conflict had to be on the horizon."

Since then, kidnappings, assaults, and worse have been reported. Many of the victims have been Christians, note reports from Fox News and Reuters. Historically, Egypt's Coptic community--roughly a tenth of the population--has faced severe marginalization and often has been imprisoned and tortured for their Christian faith.

Although there may be some protection from the military government, the future is all but clear. Will the remainder of this year bring more persecution and marginalization for Christians, or greater liberty to worship?

So far, the signs are not encouraging, says Doyle. In fact, the concern now is a chain reaction that could be sparked by what's happening in Egypt. "We just want to pray for Egypt--all of North Africa, too, because as Egypt goes, so usually goes North Africa. Admittedly, there are many more Christians. There are more Christians in Egypt than in any other Middle East country, but yet the shock waves go out from Egypt."

It's no coincidence, remarks Doyle, that this is happening at this time of year. It's spiritual warfare, he adds. "Here in the holiest month of Islam is when this conflict is happening; so we have put together a Facebook page: 8thirty8 to just give believers each day an opportunity to pray for believers in dangerous countries, that they'd be protected."

Is prayer effective against the wave of ire in Egypt? More than effective: it's catalytic. Doyle explains, "We're praying for Muslims to come to faith in Christ. About 75% of the Muslims that we've interviewed (who are now following Jesus) say that something significant happened to them in their journey to Christ during Ramadan."

Pray that the Egyptian Christians would rely on God's wisdom, especially during their transition of leadership. As they are building their government, pray that they would make Truth the foundation. And finally, says Doyle, "Pray for Muslims to have an opportunity to respond to Jesus' message of love."

Christians in Egypt are becoming more concerned

Church in Egypt (Photo Courtesy of Christian Aid)

Egypt (MNN) ― Violence toward Egyptian Christians is about to get worse.

Following the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, persecution escalated. Persecution has intensified even more in recent days. 

An Egyptian ministry leader supported by Christian Aid Mission said, "Our situation here is getting worse day by day." Ministries are growing more concerned as they watch radical Islam gain control in Egypt. Christians in Egypt believe that dark days of persecution are approaching. 

On Tuesday, tens of thousands of secular and Christian believers protested in Tahrir Square. 

Most recently, judges from the country's highest appeals court and its sister lower court are on an indefinite strike. 

The standoff began when President Morsi issued decrees that gave him near-absolute powers and gave himself and the Islamist-heavy assembly immunity from the courts. This open-ended strike took place on the day it was supposed to rule on the legitimacy of two key assemblies controlled by allies of the Islamist leader.

 

The judges will remain on strike until Morsi rescinds his decrees. Without a functioning justice system, Egypt will be plunged even deeper into turmoil. 

Though unlikely, the ministry leader writes, "We pray that this common protest will restore the bridges between Christians and Muslims as it was in the days of the revolution." 

Tens of thousands of Christians have fled the country. There is an increasing danger to being attacked or killed, or their homes and businesses ransacked or torched.

The ministry leader remains and continues to share the Gospel. "God has given us the grace to form friendships with Muslims and show them the love of Christ in practical ways. We ask for your prayers and financial support during this terrible time, which will only grow worse. Our most pressing need is to support our coworkers as they labor in the shadow of this darkness."

If you would like to help this persecuted Egyptian ministry, click here. Continue to keep Christian leaders working in Egypt in your prayers. 

Crisis tests Egyptian constitution

Tahrir Square, November 2012
(Cover photo by Moud Barthez. Story photo courtesy Open Doors USA.)

Egypt (MNN) ― Egypt has a new draft constitution, but it didn't come about the way people hoped. 

On Friday, in a 16-hour vote, Islamists approved the charter without the participation of liberal and Christian members. The move essentially pre-empted a court ruling that could dissolve the constituent assembly, but it also inflamed the conflict between the opposition and President Mohammed Morsi.

The draft still faces a national vote in the next 30 days. If it remains unchanged, human rights experts say Muslim clerics could bring restrictions on freedom of speech, women's rights, and other liberties. 

Secular and Christian leaders complained that hardline Islamists were determined to draft a constitution heavily influenced by Sharia law. In frustration, at least 20 members of the constitutional assembly had resigned in protest by early November. 

Without dissenting opinion, the Islamists included what they wanted. By the time the vote rolled around, television footage of Parliament's chamber showed that of the 85 members in attendance, not a single Christian was present and there were only four women, all Islamists. Many of the men wore beards, the hallmark of Muslim conservatives.

It is against this backdrop that the new Coptic Pope Anba Tawadros, takes up the leadership staff. 

His is a term where Christians have faced increasing pressured since the January 2011 revolution that deposed President Hosni Mubarak. There's been a corresponding rise in anti-Christian violence, and Christians now wonder what their role is. Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs USA, says, "Christians in Egypt are concerned because the government really seems to be moving against them, and there are not a lot of positive signs where they would feel protected or they would feel like there's going to be more freedom for Christians in Egypt; it seems like it's going in the other direction."

Pope Tawadros immediately made it clear that his focus was not the political arena. Nettleton explains, "He has talked about focusing on the Church and Christianity rather than focusing on what the government is doing. We'll see what that means to him over the coming weeks and months as we see how he responds." 

However, with no input from the Christian community in the country's constitution, people are looking to Pope Tawadros for guidance since he's the voice and face of the Coptic Church in Egypt. Given what's at stake, says Nettleton, expectations are high. "They hope that he will be a voice that says ‘Christians have a place in Egyptian society. Christians deserve protection.They deserve the freedom to worship without fear for their lives'." 

That begs another question: will the pope change his approach given the circumstances unfolding in Egypt over the last 10 days? What will be his level of representation on behalf of the Christians in front of the state? The pursuit of a secular state would benefit Christians more than a religious one, since that's the direction they're headed in now. 

Concerns over the lack of representation in the draft constitution surface as the reality of religious freedom issues emerges. Nettleton notes, across all age groups in the Egyptian Church, "The biggest concern is probably what the place of the Christians is going to be in Egyptian society under the new government. Are they going to be a protected minority that is allowed to exist and allowed to worship and allowed to meet together? Or are they going to be pressured to disappear?"

Pope Tawadros is expected to continue encouraging Christians to step by themselves into the political arena and take things in their own hands. To do that, he will need to stop doing it for them. This will be a time for growth amongst followers of Christ in Egypt. 

Although the news of the charter was dismaying, it's not even close to the final chapter. In fact, it may be the beginning of a new one. Hardship is a unique crucible for the Gospel. Nettleton sums it up this way: "They [Christians] can be an incredible witness for Christ because the ability to forgive and the ability to love those who are persecuting us: there is not a human explanation for that. It can only be a supernatural explanation that God and the Holy Spirit have empowered us to be able to live that way."

Outrage and growth: two peas in the same pod?

Flag similar to the one flown over U.S. embassy in Cairo during riot.
 Believed to be Al Qaeda flag. (Photo by Rob Giampietro)

Egypt (MNN) ― The hot rage that fueled days of unrest in Egypt seems to be simmering at a low level now. 

The rioting was blamed on an anti-Islam video, and for the next week provoked Muslims in 12 countries showed their ire. The fallout is beginning now. 

Egypt's authorities are now cracking down: not on the rioters, but on those they deem responsible for setting off the whole thing. Arrest warrants have been issued, according to the nation's general prosecutor, for eight people connected with the project.

Meanwhile, a Coptic Christian has been jailed for a Facebook post defaming Islam and insulting President Mohamed Morsi.

First, says Open Doors USA spokesman Michael Woods, put things into context. "We need to understand that culture in which they're living. They don't have the freedom, the information and press like we do and the right to speak out in our own voices as we do in public." 

Then, although anti-Christian violence does seem to be stemming directly from a rise in fundamentalist Islam in Egypt, understand that, "We're seeing people from Islam converting to Jesus Christ in numbers that are unprecedented. I think that means that you kind of get Islam back on its heels, seeing people convert from Islam to Christianity and this may be a reaction."

Iran has set that precedent, already. Iran's movement in Islam is closely tracked by the Middle East and North Africa. They are at thecutting edge. "I remember a couple of years ago when Ahmadinejad made a statement in one of his speeches that his biggest fear was not the military of other countries, but the rapid growth of the Church." So it's not surprising, says Wood, to see similar trends in neighboring areas. 

However, the accusation against the Coptic Christian who posted to Facebook bears an eerie resemblance to accusations made in Pakistan. Wood says they're similar. "They really don't know what to do. They don't know how to respond, so the natural thing is to say ‘you're insulting Islam' and protecting what they hold dear." He goes on to say the heart of the matter is one you can see through the lens of politics. "I think that if we really saw the battle that we don't get to see on a day-to-day basis, we'd understand a better perspective of light and darkness here." 

Despite the swelling tide of violence against the church, there's no wave of Christians fleeing. Egypt's believers hold fast to Christ...and to each other. "When you do have support, when you do have other people that you can lean on, and knowing that they're praying and you can worship with them, it makes a little bit of a difference to know that there's somebody else going through what you're going through."

By providing training seminars, along with Bibles and study resources for isolated pastors, Open Doors is equipping churches to stand firm in the face of persecution. They're doing it for another reason. Wood explains, "I just read recently some stats that there are more people that have come to Christ in the Middle East in the last ten years than there have been in all of Christendom combined."

Christians are staying to advance the Gospel in the face of increasing uncertainty, and they're doing it on their knees. 

"Pray for those believers because there is a Church. There are those people. They're just common-day mothers and fathers, and brothers and sisters, and teachers and business people that have to live in that environment. To know that the Church and the Body is interceding for them, speaks volumes."

Egypt's crucifixions or crucifictions?

(Story photo by Sarah Carr)

Egypt (MNN) ― You've probably heard about or received e-mails about a horrific incident being reported in Cairo, Egypt.

The supposed crucifixion of Christians by the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt was first reported a few weeks back and has spread like wildfire across the internet. The story got picked up by a handful of news agencies for a short time before the links were deleted and access to the story disappeared.

Jerry Dykstra, a spokesman for Open Doors USA, says if anyone had been killed in front of Egypt's presidential palace, it wouldn't have escaped international notice. Further, "What I heard from Open Doors people in Egypt is that they cannot confirm that this happened. So, I'm saying right now that it's probably false."

However, what IS true, says Dykstra is that Egyptians have witnessed an increase in brutality--many of them Christians--in recent days. "What's happening in Egypt is bad enough, and it's truly gotten worse in the past two months since the election of President Morsi from the Muslim Brotherhood."

Islamists have been emboldened, and it's likely to get worse before it gets better. Open Doors partners have indicated that "Muslim extremists in Upper Egypt have called for the deaths of Coptic Christians and have attacked them and singled them out for beatings." There have been riots, arsons, and destruction of property belonging to Christians. 

That's why rumors like the crucifixions are dangerous. "The persecution itself is bad enough, and I don't think we need stories like these--it takes away from what really is happening in Egypt."

What's more disconcerting is the hostile sentiment building as the one-year anniversary of the Maspero massacre approaches. On October 9, 2011, Christian protestors marching peacefully toward the television and radio broadcasting building near downtown Cairo were assaulted by the army and a mob of extremists.

The attacks left 26 dead and hundreds wounded. The protest was in response to a September 30 attack in Upper Egypt, where a church was burned down along with several Christian-owned homes and businesses. It was also an incident that discouraged believers unlike any other.

Dykstra is quick to note that as dark as the days are, they are being answered by a growing prayer movement. "They're looking to see how they can not only keep their faith stronger, but they're also gathering together and reaching out to their neighbors in love," by praying for their families and asking God to bring peace to their nation.

As the pressure intensifies, there are many Christians who are leaving Egypt. While he acknowledges that, Dykstra goes on to say that "Christians who remain are being a beacon of light to their neighbors whether they are Muslims or any other kind of minority."

Ramadan begins today amid war on Egypt's horizon

Egyptians praying in Tahrir Square last year.
 (Photo by Kodak Agfa)

Egypt (MNN) ― Today is Day One of Ramadan and the start of what could be a trying 30 days for Egypt.

The atmosphere in much of Egypt has been tense for over 17 months. But the announcement of Mohammed Morsi as president, followed by the military's decision to dissolve parliament, have forced Egypt to the brink of civil war.

Things are shaky at best, but bigger tremors may be on the way to Egypt. During Ramadan, says Middle East expert Tom Doyle with e3 Partners, "Spiritually, it's heightened there. It's just that push for Islamic dominance, and there could be major conflict that turns into a civil war as early as this week."

Doyle just returned from Egypt earlier this week. He says zealous supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood packed Tahrir square to the breaking point. Ramadan will increase the likelihood of disagreement -- if not for spiritual reasons, for physiological ones.

During Ramadan, Muslims are to fast during the day. Most drink and eat at night, but refraining from food during the day often causes emotional problems.

"We notice in Muslim countries [during Ramadan] people are much more grumpy, more jumpy, more angry. So this just kind of breeds any situation to get bigger and larger such as the situation we find ourselves in in Egypt right now," Doyle explains.

In this sense, Ramadan could mean a lot of trouble in Egypt. But at the same time, Ramadan brings with it a great deal of opportunity for believers.

In any year, throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are seeking God, says Doyle. "They are looking for something that will be life-changing. They are caught up in legalism and the law, and it is not satisfying to them. So they look for something to happen during the 30 days of Ramadan."

Within the corrupt and frightening times Egyptians currently are experiencing, people are searching even to Christ in recent months. Fed up with politics and the corruption they see in the name of Islam, many are looking for something else.

But even for those who aren't looking yet, Ramadan can change that. In the past, as believers have prayed during Ramadan, Muslims have begun to have visions and dreams of Jesus.

With this in mind, says Doyle, "As Christians, we shouldn't worry about the 30 days of Ramadan and what happens during that time. We should just be on the offensive and pray for Muslims, who have an open heart at that point. [Pray] for something to happen: a believer to share with them, for them to hear something maybe on Christian radio, or for even a dream."

Christians already leaving Egypt

Protesters already crowd Tahrir Square preparing for election results.

Egypt (MNN) ― Protesters are already in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt's Presidential Election Commission announced yesterday they are delaying the results of this week's presidential election indefinitely. The commission says they're investigating election irregularities. Egyptians are in Tahrir Square demanding the results be released.

Rody Rodeheaver, President of IN Network USA, describes the atmosphere. "I'll just quote my director there. He says 'it's just crazy.' He's referring to the atmosphere. He's referring to the confusion. Everything that they thought they had gained has fallen apart."

Rodeheaver says it's not only a confusing time for the average Egyptian, but especially for Christians. He was told that most Christians voted for Ahmed Shafik. "Even though he represents going back to the Mubarak era, they were much more comfortable with him than they were with the Muslim Brotherhood."

Why? Rodeheaver says, "The institution of Sharia Law will basically stymie Egypt's ability economically, politically, and religiously to really have any kind of freedom."

While the elections haven't been announced yet, Rodeheaver says the evangelical church is already feeling the impact. "It was shocking to me when my staff person said, 'In our church, there have been over 60 people who have left Egypt to go to the U.S. to start a new life because of their fear.'"

While that is bad news, Rodeheaver says there has been some good news with all this uncertainty. IN Network has seen growth in leadership, discipleship, and evangelism training. "There has been this period of ability to do ministry unimpeded. The fear now is that that door will shut."

Rodeheaver is asking you to pray for safety for young people as they travel to and from summer camp. He's also asking you to pray for Egyptian churches. "If you're part of a congregation and all of a sudden you realize that 60 people are no longer there, that creates an emotion and psychological barrier." Pray that God will assure Christians that He is at work and that they can stand strong.

If you'd like to help IN Network share Christ, click here. 

Is Egypt on the brink of civil war?

Scene from 29 January. Photo: 3arabawy.

Egypt (MNN) ― The world expects to see some kind of violence despite the official outcome of Egypt's election. The country's presidential election results are expected tomorrow, but the country appears to be equally divided between the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, Mohammed Morsi, and the secular candidate, Ahmed Shafiq.

According to reports, protests were called across Egypt on Tuesday against the ruling military council's bid to grab new powers. Meanwhile, the United States and Britain wants a swift transfer of leadership once the announcement is made.

Tom Doyle with e3 Partners says Egypt is a tinder box. "If the situation isn't figured out soon, I mean there could be a very strong civil war that could last a very long time in Egypt. We already know that there was a whole bunch of corruption in the midst of this election, so politically it's an absolute mess."

Doyle agrees that it doesn't matter who wins the election. "Shafiq, if he's declared the winner, no question I think there's going to be riots. If the Brotherhood wins, Christians, born again believers, nominal Muslims -- all of them live in fear. And I think there will be a lot of activity, too -- a lot of protests, probably rioting -- just like we saw during the revolution."

What's Doyle's prognosis? "I think it's just beginning in Egypt to really unravel with more protests and riots and killings."

While many would believe the evangelical church is stymied, Doyle says the uncertainty has "actually accelerated things. When we were in Egypt, we were hearing stories of more Muslims coming to faith in Christ this year than in any of the Christian leaders could remember in several years past."

e3 Partners supports the church in the Middle East, including Egypt. Your support is vital to providing them the resources they need to help with evangelism and discipleship. Doyle says they also need your prayers. "Pray for boldness for opportunities. And pray that God would stem the tide -- that He would just push it back so there wouldn't be this regional war because it would be very ugly if it breaks out."

If you'd like to support the work of e3 Partners, click here. 

Egypt elections: no clear answers

Open Doors' Carl Moeller.

Egypt (MNN) ― Both parties claimed victory in Egypt's first presidential elections since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted from power. Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi said he received 51%of the vote, while secularist Ahmed Shafiq says he won with 52% of the vote.

While official vote tallies aren't expected before Thursday, President of Open Doors USACarl Moeller says, "The last few days have proven that nothing can be predicted in Egypt."

Moeller says Christians do have some assurances. He says Shafiq "would be more friendly to the Christian community. The unknown factor with the Muslim Brotherhood is, of course, that things would become far more volatile for the Christians."

While reports indicate Egypt's interim ruling military council would hand over power, Moeller isn't so sure. "The military can rightly claim that no one got a clear majority and so therefore they will continue to hold on to power until some other arrangement can be worked out."

Student revolutionaries say the revolution was stolen by Islamists. Moeller says there is some indication that "the Muslim Brotherhood has overreached in their desire to make Egypt a strongly-Islamic state. That said, it's now produced a 50-50 split in the country."

Moeller believes that will produce more unrest and discontent, especially since there's no official national constitution.

For Christians, Moeller says, "The situation for them is grim. They are either faced with embracing a regime that for decades succeeded in persecuting them, or face the prospect of an Islamic-influenced government. The only hope, of course, is in Jesus Christ."

Even though Egypt faces uncertainty, Moeller says the church is strong. "Even in the midst of all of this chaos, the spiritual openness of people to the Good News of Jesus has never been greater in this part of the world."

Open Doors supports Christians in Egypt and other nations where believers are persecuted. Your support is needed now more than ever. "There is fear among Christians. And they need a sense that they are not alone. So it's vital that we meet them in their time of need with food, clothing, and Bibles."

If you'd like to help, click here.