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There is a perception that Christians can be attacked with impunity. ‘If you hurt a Christian no one is going to do anything to you. No one is ever brought to justice in sectarian violence against Christians.’ said Mina Thabet, the founding member of a youth movement. Three months after the Army liberated Delga from militant Islamists; criminals are now terrorizing Christians in other towns and charging Jizya (a Koranic fine on non-Muslims known as ‘submission’ or ‘humiliation’ tax). They have set up a cottage industry persecuting Christians for profit. Extortionists use the threat of kidnapping, torture and murder to seize money, land and other property from Christians throughout Minya and Assiut governorates. Kidnap victims are tortured so severely that when they return to their families they are completely broken, unable to talk about their ordeals, much less report the crimes to police.
Pray: against the concept that persecuting Christians is ‘a religious duty.’ Pray for renewed initiatives by police and an improvement to the justice system. (Ps.59:1)
More: http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=12873
Police and protesters clash after thousands rally overnight against President Morsi's assumption of expanded powers. Egyptian police have fired tear gas into Cairo's Tahrir Square, where several hundred protesters spent the night after a mass rally to denounce President Mohamed Morsi's action. Clashes erupting on streets near Tahrir Square spilled into the square on Wednesday morning, with canisters falling into the crowd forcing protesters to run and sending clouds of tear gas over the tents housing the demonstrators. Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel-Hamid said there was a huge difference between Wednesday and Tuesday's turnout, which she said was a huge success for the opposition in terms of the amount of people they were able to rally. ‘Today, you have those die-hards who say that they will stay in the square until the president retracts his constitutional declaration,’ she said.
Pray: against these ongoing attacks by those who hide under the guise of the authorities. (Pr.26:24)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/201211288183393655.html
Middle East journalist Mary Abdelmassih, reports that on Tuesday, September 7, a 300-man security force, backed by a large number of cars and armoured vehicles, attacked the Egyptian monastery of St Macarius of Alexandria in Wadi Rayan, Fayoum province. The monks in the monastery were assaulted with tear gas, batons and stones and three of the monks were seriously wounded. ‘The security forces prevented the delivery of limestone bricks to be used for the construction of cells for the monks within the grounds of the ancient monastery. The forces also attempted to confiscate bricks already delivered but the monks sat on the bricks and refused to move,' she said. The monks believe that the government wants to prevent any construction on the premises to hinder any increase in the number of monks living there, ‘though cells for the monks are badly needed,’ said Father Boulos. Pray: against these attacks on the Church. (Ps.20:1)
A group of experts, advocates and faith leaders with an interest in Egypt, religious freedom and human rights released a statement expressing concern at the increasing attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the manner in which such attacks are being reported by international and local media. The group’s statement says, ‘The collapse of ‘powerful state apparatus' and ‘subsequent power vacuum’ quickly opened a ‘Pandora's Box’ of social problems that the Mubarak regime had either maintained or failed to address. We are now witnessing political struggles for power and influence in the new Egypt.’ (See last weeks PA re Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt) According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide 60+ people were injured on Saturday when Christians protested outside Cairo’s television buildings against attacks on churches the previous weekend, that left 12 dead, were themselves attacked by 100+ people with stones, gasoline bombs and guns. Fighting continued for several hours before the army restored order. Pray: for true democracy in Egypt and an end to civil unrest and attacks on Christians. (Ps.45:6)
It’s unclear what impact recent demonstrations will have on Christians in Egypt who complain that the government has not done enough to protect them. In one of the latest attacks an off-duty policeman boarded a train and went from car to car shooting those he identified as Christians, killing at least one man and injuring four women. A Christian leader said, ‘We wonder if Christians will continue to be safe riding trains or walking in the streets, but we are happy that God has placed us here and we believe He will use this time to bring many souls to Him'. Egyptian Christians are also praying for appropriate, swift justice for crimes against them. Last Saturday a man responsible for killing six Christians a year ago was sentenced to death for first degree murder an ‘intimidating citizens’ and it is hoped the severity of that sentence will encourage judges to appropriately address violence against Christians. Last week Egypt's President said, ‘slow justice’ breeds bitterness. Pray: that the bereaved, wounded and traumatised will know God’s comfort and healing and the justice system would apply appropriate investigations. (Mic.6:8)
Last Sunday, dozens of Muslim Brotherhood supporters were killed in clashes with Egyptian security forces. The Brotherhood is, for the moment, beaten. Their leaders are locked up and their members are accused of being terrorists. Historically generations have been helped by the Brotherhood's charities and schools. Support in the community runs deep, but currently staff at a Cairo hospital say it is dangerous to advertise their links with the Brotherhood. The crackdown is more than just tackling violence – it’s about eradicating dissent. Most Brotherhood leaders who have not been imprisoned have fled the country. The use of force against them betrays insecurity at the heart of Egypt's latest revolution. Despite extraordinary efforts to destroy the Brotherhood, its supporters are still willing to risk taking to the streets. Criminalised, imprisoned and killed, their message is still clear, ‘the Brotherhood will not go quietly’.
Pray: for all those in that nation who have seen their lives destroyed by violence, prejudice and hatred to recieve protection, healing and restoration. (Ps.18:6) Ask God to assist the current political and Church leaders to rule and minister with wisdom, justice and right authority. (Ps.21:1)
Middle East Concern report, ‘The Supreme State Security Prosecution has started legal proceedings against twenty three Salafi Muslims charged with terrorism, premeditated murder, vandalism of public and private property, and intimidating citizens. Also the government announced it is considering re-opening church buildings that had been closed under President Mubarak. Sixteen have already been approved for re-opening and three have opened. More re-openings are expected next week provided authorities are satisfied adequate security measures are in place. Fear of sectarian incidents was one of the reasons churches were closed. Egyptian Christians thank us for our prayers and request continued intercession:- that authorities will fulfil commitments to bring perpetrators of sectarian violence to justice; re-opened church buildings will be well used; further re-openings will happen peacefully; security measures will prove adequate; the bereaved will know the comfort of Jesus, wounded and traumatised will know the healing touch of Jesus. Pray: that Church leaders will know the Spirit's enabling as they pastor their congregations and deal with community leaders. (Is.41:18)
Ten candidates who had applied to run in the Egyptian presidential election are disqualified. They include ex-spy chief Omar Suleiman, Muslim Brotherhood leader Khairat al-Shater and ultraconservative Salafist, Hazem Abu Ismail. The three were considered front-runners. The BBC's correspondent in Cairo says the decision reshapes the election. A final list of candidates will be published on 26 April, when the election campaign officially begins. Please continue to pray for God’s chosen people to lead Egypt into His purposes. Others are likely to move to the front of the race, including the former Arab League chief Amr Moussa, and an independent Islamist who broke away from the Muslim Brotherhood, Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh. Already some demonstrators have gathered outside the electoral commission to protest against the decision, which could increase tension between Islamists and the ruling military council. The first round of voting is scheduled for 23 and 24 May.
Pray: Egyptians may know God's wisdom as they vote next month and for God to be glorified through the results. (Pr.14: 28)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17748256
Egypt's President, Mohammed Mursi, has pardoned all those arrested since the beginning of last year's popular uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak. A post on the president's official Facebook page announced an amnesty for crimes and misdemeanours committed ‘in support of the revolution’. The decree could lead to the release of several thousand people. The ‘comprehensive pardon’ announced by the new president on Monday applies to anyone who was charged with or convicted of ‘crimes and misdemeanours or attempts to commit them in support of the revolution and the realisation of its goals’. The pardon applies to all those arrested from 25 January 2011, the first day of the revolution, until 30 June 2012, when Mr Mursi took office. It covers those who are awaiting trial as well as those already serving jail sentences. The only exception will be those accused of murder.
Pray: that this amnesty will help to establish justice for all. (Lev.19:15)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19877428
The Muslim Brotherhood appointed Coptic Christian Rafig Habib as vice president for its political party ahead of September’s parliamentary elections, seen as a move to assure Christians they have nothing to fear if the Muslim Brotherhood comes to power. Coptic human rights activist Wagih Yacoub said, ’There is no doubt that the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis are allied. The Brotherhood plays politics and the Salafis are causing chaos so they can empty Egypt of Christians and make it an Islamic state.’ Also the NY Times reported, ‘The Coptic Christian minority in Egypt fear the Egyptian revolution has made their country less tolerant and more dangerous for religious minorities. Christians and liberals entering politics are reluctant to speak out against it, asking at most for slight modifications.’ Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/world/middleeast/31coptic.html?_r=2
Pray: for Egypt’s Christians to be free to express their faith and for the removal of all hidden ungodly agendas. (Is.11:11)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/muslim.brotherhood.appoints.christian.vice.president/28012.htm