42. egypt
Region
Africa
Christian population
10 184 000 (8.7%)
Main relegion
Islam
Main threats
• Islamic oppression
• Dictatorial paranoia
• Christian denominational protectionism
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 primarily 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, the 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.
Total score
68%
Pressure
74.5%
Violence
34.4%
Please pray
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Pray that believers would not be discouraged but would know their value in the eyes of the Lord as they are left with limited employment options because of their faith.
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Pray against attacks and for peace for Muslims who convert to Christianity.
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Pray that God will work through Open Doors partners’ efforts to help overturn cultural norms that are damaging to families and that parents and children will be strengthened.