News by email Donate

Suggestions

egyptians-protest-over-is-abducted-christians-main_article_image.jpg
APAImages/REX
World News

Coptic Christians call for action over church closures in Egypt

by Eno Adeogun

A church in the southern province of Minya was one of two shut down by local authorities.

A statement by the Coptic Orthodox diocese of Minya claimed worshippers were harassed at both churches and rocks were also throws at one of them.

It read: "We have kept quiet for two weeks after the closure of one of the churches, but due to our silence the situation has worsened ... it is as if prayer is a crime the Copts must be punished for."

Rumours of a pending attack forced a third church to close, according to Reuters, however the diocese confirmed no attack has taken place since but the church remains closed.

Coptic Christians, who comprise of approximately ten per cent of the country's population, have long complained of persecution.

 

Many feel the state does not take their plight seriously enough.

The diocese of Minya echoed this opinion.

Their statement added: "We have been trying to find any place to hold religious rites, while avoiding prohibitions against the (large) movements of the Copts, and potential dangers. Such places could be a hall, a house or even a simple room with poor ventilation. Even that is also prohibited.

"And although the constitution guarantees the right of worship, this right is in reality denied by the personal will of local officials. Often times, the matter has become akin to pursuing the Copts to prevent them from praying.

"In some instances, it has gone to the extent of using force against people and religious leaders."

"We are still waiting, and we will not despair. We published what happened as a reminder, may be the matter calls for the intervention of officials in Cairo, the capital."

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate