40Egypt

In Egypt, Christians often face discrimination in their communities. Christian women are harassed on the streets, especially in rural areas, and Christian children are bullied at school. Sometimes Muslim mobs force Christians to leave their homes after accusations of blasphemy. These incidents mostly happen in Upper Egypt, where radical Islamist groups are active. The Salafi al-Nour party, despite being a religious party, operates legally and exerts strong influence in poor, rural areas.

Egyptian President el-Sisi speaks positively about Christians and attempts to promote unity, but local authorities often fail to protect Christians from attacks. Building new churches is difficult in certain areas of Egypt, and Christians face hostility and violence from their communities.

In addition to their communities, Christians who convert from Islam can also face severe pressure from their families to return to the religion. Security services detain and intimidate converts, making it difficult to live openly as Christians.

Meet Julie

“Teachers, and classmates used to mockingly tell me that Christians are crazy, claiming that we worship three gods. A Muslim classmate once told me that she will slaughter me because I’m Christian.”

Julie (name changed), a Christian child in Egypt.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors works through local partners in Egypt to support the Church throughout the country with literacy training, education, advocacy, medical outreach, and youth, family and women’s ministries.