Egypt

What does persecution look like in Egypt?

In Egypt, most religious freedom violations happen at the community level. These include harassment of Christian women and mobs expelling Christians after alleged blasphemy. Incidents such as these take place mostly in rural areas of Upper Egypt and in some economically disadvantaged urban areas, especially when Islamic extremists are present.

Egypt’s president speaks positively about the country’s historical Christian community, but weak law enforcement leaves believers vulnerable to attack. Despite promises from the president that a church will be built in every new neighbourhood, construction of new churches remains restricted.

Christians with a Muslim background face enormous pressure from their families to return to Islam. Security services maintain a strong grip on converts to Christianity, regularly detaining and abusing them and forcing them into isolation. The state also makes it impossible for conversions to be officially recognised.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Christians living in rural parts of Egypt or where Islamic extremists are active face the greatest threat of violent persecution. Converts from Islam are the most vulnerable.

Meet "Adam"

"[My father] called us infidels, traitors. I had never seen him so filled with anger and hatred. He even said we deserved to be killed and threatened us with harm if we stayed in the village."

"Adam", a convert from Islam.

What has changed this year?

The overall situation remained unchanged. Violence between religious groups declined due to strict government control, rather than true peace. Cases of inflammatory online speech were reported, and there was continued and ongoing state and societal pressure on Christians who left Islam to Christianity.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Egypt?

Through partner ministries and churches, Open Doors supports the church in Egypt via programmes such as Christian discipleship, leadership development, literacy training, medical outreach, widows’ ministry and others. These continue over the long term to help strengthen God’s people.

How can you pray for Egypt?

• Many Christians are thought of as second-class citizens by the majority of Muslims in Egypt, especially in rural areas and villages. Believers are left with limited employment options and access only to dangerous jobs. Pray these believers would not be discouraged but would know their value in the eyes of the Lord.
• When Muslims convert to Christianity, it can lead to violent persecution. Pray against attacks and for peace.
• Open Doors partners in Egypt work to help overturn cultural norms that are damaging to families. Pray that God will work through these efforts and that parents and children will be strengthened.

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