News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Cathedral-of-the-Nativity-in-Egypt-official-unveiling-main_article_image.jpg
Egypt's Ministry of Investment and International Co-operation
World News

Donald Trump hails Middle East's biggest cathedral

by Press Association

Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, a general-turned-president, has made sectarian harmony a cornerstone of his rule, fighting Islamic militancy while advocating equality between the overwhelming Muslim majority and Christians, who account for ten per cent of Egypt's 100 million people.

"This is a historic and important moment," said Mr el-Sissi inside the cathedral.

"But we still have to protect the tree of love we planted here together today because seditions never end."

The Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, the world's primary seat of learning for Sunni Muslims, echoed Mr el-Sissi's sentiments in comments also made at the cathedral.

The two places of worship, he said, stand as a symbol in the face of "attempts to undermine the country's stability and sectarian seditions."

Mr el-Sissi's widely publicised policy to staunch sectarianism, however, has done little to protect Christians in rural Egypt, where Muslim extremists frequently attack their homes and businesses or force them to leave their homes after violent disputes.

Critics and activists say discrimination against Christians there is often tolerated by local authorities and branches of the security agencies. Christians also complain of stringent restrictions on the construction of churches.

But Sunday's opening ceremony in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, Mr el-Sissi's brainchild that is located in the desert east of Cairo, stressed what the pro-government media like to call the "unbreakable national fabric" of Christians and Muslims.

Entertainers and chorus lines took to the stage to sing about the two faiths living peacefully side by side.

Short films on the same topic were also screened.

The ceremony's presenters portrayed the construction of the cathedral and the mosque, which took 18 months to complete, as a message to humanity.

"It is a message to the whole world that Egypt is a nation for all," said one presenter.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

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