Greetings in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace Egyptian Christians continue to request our prayers for the situation in their country. Incidents affecting Christians and church property continue. Areas most affected are the northern Sinai Peninsula, Minya and Luxor province, with isolated incidents elsewhere. One factor has been incitement by a few religious and political leaders for violent attacks against Christians as retribution for the involvement of Christians in the June 30th protests that led to the removal from office of deposed President Morsi. Recall that earlier in July two Christians were killed in the northern parts of the Sinai Peninsula. Christians there remain fearful, and many have stopped overtly identifying themselves as Christian or have left the area. Smaller churches in Arish have closed, and only one church is holding a weekly service for those who remain. Tensions are continuing in Delga, Minya province, with further threats against church property. Recall that on 3rd July there had been a sectarian attack in which the guesthouse and home of a Catholic priest were looted and set ablaze. On 27th July there was a second attack on the same church compound. On 28th July there were further attacks on two churches in Matai and Kom Hamada, Minya, during a funeral procession for two Muslim Brotherhood members who were killed during protests on the 27th. Local Christians continue to call for an increased police presence to ensure that calm is maintained. One specific concern of Christians in Luxor province is the attitude of the newly appointed head of police. There are suggestions that he was instrumental in the police not responding properly to an incident on 5th July in which four Christians were killed. Egyptian Christians request our continued prayer, asking that: a. The effective rule of law and order will be established for the benefit of all citizens b. Those affected by violent incidents will know the healing touch of Jesus, physically and psychologically c. There will be effective protection of church and other property against attacks by extremists d. Those forced to leave their homes will be able to return soon e. Egypt will be governed for the benefit of all citizens, with people of different persuasions able to live alongside one another peaceably f. Egyptian Christians will have opportunity to play an increasingly prominent and effective role in addressing the needs of all Egyptians.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 22:51:47 +0000
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