Egypt: Muslim extremists attack Christian homes after government approves church

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Enraged Muslim extremists in Egypt attacked the homes of many Coptic Christians in Luxor governate last month, after the government formally recognized the Church of Michael the Archangel, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Built-in 2003, Michael the Archangel church has had to wait nearly 20 years for a government permit to operate freely: it is notoriously difficult for churches to obtain government-required permits to operate in Islamic-majority Egypt. Arguing that the construction of church buildings is against Islamic law, Muslim extremists had fought against official approval of Michael the Archangel.

Upon hearing that the approval had been granted, on June 23, large crowds of Muslims gathered in al-Hilla village and threw rocks through the windows of the homes of Coptic Christians. Arsonists also set fire to Christian-owned buildings and vehicles, ICC said.

Authorities reportedly ordered an increased police presence in the village and around the church, but the mob overwhelmed this effort, ICC said.

“This conflict follows an oft-repeated pattern: a church is developed, and Muslims riot. Muslim protests are often also successful, and authorities bow to the pressure of the majority,” ICC said in its report. “As a result, Christian communities and churches are suppressed. This is one of the many ways in which the Muslim majority persecutes Christians in Egypt.”

Egypt ranks 20th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2022 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.

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