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Following a rumour that a Christian man in the village of Kobry-el-Sharbat had illicit photographs and a video clip of a Muslim lady a Muslim mob burnt several Christian-owned homes and businesses. On 1st February a ‘village tribunal’ of Muslim leaders issued a decree ordering eight Christian families to leave and their property be sold. If this decree was not complied with then all 62 Christian families living in the village would be forcibly expelled. The National Assembly ruled the decree was illegal, the eight families' property should be restored to them, the government should pay compensation for all damaged property, and the police should endeavour to identify and prosecute those responsible for violent attacks. The Christians request our prayers for- the commission's ruling to be effectively and promptly implemented, for all Christian families to be allowed to return and for true reconciliation amongst all villagers.
Pray: that the commission's ruling will set a precedent that ends impunity for sectarian violence against Christians and other religious minorities. (Pr.11:1)
The Muslim teacher of Ayman Labib (17) told him to cover up a cross tattoo. Ayman refused, instead displaying another cross under his clothes. The infuriated teacher attacked Ayman with other students joining in. Ayman fled to the toilets where the assault continued, he died at the scene. After the teenager’s funeral over 5,000 Christians marched through the streets of Mallawi calling Ayman a ‘Martyr of the Cross.’ Two Muslim students were arrested. The senior investigating officer tried to influence witnesses to say the murder resulted from friction between students. The parents of other students didn’t allow their children to give statements to the police fearing harassment from school administration and the families of the two arrested boys. The head teacher has been suspended; two supervisors and two social workers who were on duty when Ayman died were referred to an investigation committee.
Pray: for justice. (Pr.21:15)
More: http://www.barnabasfund.org/Christian-teenager-killed-at-school-in-Egypt-for-displaying-cross.html
Tuesday night Muslims set fire to at least 10 houses belonging to Coptic Christians in a village south of Cairo over rumours that a Christian had an affair with a Muslim girl. Several people were arrested and security forces sealed off the village of al-Nawahid to prevent the violence from spreading to neighbouring villages. The attacks started after locals spotted a young Copt and a Muslim girl together at night inside the village cemetery. Both were put under police custody as authorities investigate. Coptic Christians make up 10 percent of Egypt's 80 million people. Copts and Muslims generally live in peace, though human rights groups say attacks on Copts are on the rise, underscoring the government's failure to address chronic sectarian strains in a society where religious radicalism is gaining ground. Pray: for the rights of Christians in Egypt to be recognised and equalled to those enjoyed by Muslims. (Mk.13:13) More: http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/muslims-torch-christian-homes-in-southern-egypt-1.325018
Egypt's new political order has an Islamic character. Statements by leading Muslim Brotherhood figures reveal intentions to implement sharia law. A recent poll revealed support for Muslim agendas and a Christian governor was suspended for three months following Muslim protests at his appointment. Saad Al Husseini, a member of the Brotherhood's Guidance Bureau, expressed the desire to establish Egypt as an Islamic state saying, ‘We would like to lead the society to achieve its Islamic identity in preparation for the Islamic rule.’ Other Brotherhood spokespmen attempted to distance themselves from this and similar statements, saying the movement opposes the imposition of Islamic law in Egypt. But the pro-sharia comments have raised alarm among Egypt's Christians and others who want a secular democracy. Early signs indicate there will be little room for Christians in the new political order. For Prayer Alert Insights into the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt see:
Pray: that the Egyptian constitution which guarantees freedom of religion, but also specifies Sharia be the principal source of legislation, would honour Egyptian Christians rights. (Rev.3:21)
The following is from an Egyptian Christian’s blog after Mohamed Morsi won the presidential election. ‘Watching all the celebrations and fireworks many are asking, is hope and peace still possible for the Egyptian church? Can we put hope in the shallow speech that Morsi gave after his election? – a speech with strong Islamic accent, with language indicating he’s the new ‘Khailef’ (head of Muslim state). Can we count on the political wisdom of Morsi and his administration to unify Egyptians from different ideologies, backgrounds and beliefs? How soon will we Christians see, live and suffer the consequences of having a Muslim Brotherhood president? Neither I nor any other Christian in Egypt can answer these questions. There are too many uncertainties. But the one great assurance remains - we love and follow a mighty loving God who has the ultimate authority to put presidents and kings in positions of authority or take them out. This Father is MY Father and He promised never to leave us or forsake us.’
Pray: for Egyptian Christians to be able to work and live unhindered under God's protection, for Almighty God to govern those now placed in authority over Egypt. (1Tim.2:1-3)
The Egyptian Revolution began on January 25th of this year, marked by President Hosni Mubarak stepping down on February 11th, and still continues as a new government is formed. One of those figures who has thrown his hat in the ring to be the new president is Naguib Sawiris, a ‘billionaire telecom scion and art patron’ according to a Forbes report. Sawiris is also a Coptic Christian who has already founded a new political party known as the ‘Free Egyptian Party.’ His goal is to establish a secular democratic government in Egypt. Money certainly won't be an issue in his run for office; Sawiris is number two on the billionaire list in Egypt - his father is at the top spot. Coptic Christians in Egypt have suffered much violence and persecution especially in the last year, but Sawiris seems to be unafraid of the risks involved in seeking to be head of his country.
Pray: that God would use Sawiris to bring His light into this election and sound government. (Ez.2:6)
Release International has called for a month of prayer for Christians in nations caught up in the Arab Spring - especially in Egypt where persecution looks set to grow after the presidential elections and Christians brace themselves for increased persecution. Release reported, ‘This is a hugely significant time for Christians in the Middle East and North Africa as their countries undergo seismic shifts in their political structures. Hard-line Islamist groups are making significant inroads into the political process. While there are great opportunities for Christians to contribute to the development of their societies, they need our prayers for protection and wisdom like never before.’ Release has produced a prayer guide, focusing prayer throughout May on Egypt, Libya, Syria, Morocco, Yemen, Tunisia and Bahrain. See:
Pray: for the 100,000 Christians who have left Egypt since last year’s uprising. Pray that this exodus will stop. Pray that those who remain will have a fresh revelation of God as their rock and salvation (Ps.62:2).
Egypt’s democratic experiment is at a tipping point and President Obama is trying to nudge Egypt’s bitterly divided antagonists toward compromise with limited influence. Unpopular President Morsi was democratically elected but needs to strike a workable deal with Egypt's military without alienating millions of protesting Egyptians. Egypt's size and leading position in the Arab world mean its political course will be felt throughout the region, where the United States is already struggling to stem Islamist militants and sectarian strife. The White House is not enamoured with Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood leader whom it sees as having failed to form an inclusive, effective government. Obama has not hosted Morsi at the White House, and officials cancelled a visit by the Egyptian leader last year after a video surfaced in which Morsi described Israelis as ‘descendants of apes and pigs.’ For INSIGHTS into the roots of Egypt’s violence, the Muslim Brotherhood’s commitment to a unified community of Islamic nations and world rule, please go to: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=448&Itemid=93
Pray: for God to bring peace, reconciliation and freedom to Egypt. Pray also for a new constitution that would enhance equality of citizenship and religious freedom. May Egypt one day be known as a haven of tolerance for all.
More: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/07/03/uk-usa-egypt-analysis-idUKBRE96203E20130703
Troops last week stormed a central Egyptian town held for over a month by hardline supporters of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi who had launched a campaign against Christian residents, officials said. Soldiers and police entered the town of Delga in the central Minya province just after dawn, searching homes and arresting several Islamists, a security official said. All 32 entrances to the village were shut and a daytime curfew imposed as authorities recaptured the town of 120,000 people, held for 31 days by Morsi loyalists, according to the official MENA news agency. Officials said Islamists controlling the town were behind several attacks on churches around the Minya province. The raid on the town comes amid a massive crackdown on Islamists following the military's ouster of president Morsi on July 3, which plunged the country deeper into turmoil. In mid-August police and soldiers broke up two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo in an operation that killed hundreds.
Pray: for the ongoing situation in Egypt and that the authorities will find ways of bringing a meaningful peace. (Ps.122:7)
Egypt's armed forces chief has warned the current political crisis ‘could lead to a collapse of the state’. General Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, in comments posted on the military's Facebook page, said such a collapse could ‘threaten future generations’. He made his statement following a large military deployment in three cities along the Suez Canal where a State of Emergency has been declared. More than 50 people have died in days of protests and violence. In response, President Mohammed Morsi has cut short a planned European trip. On Monday night, thousands of people in Port Said, Ismailyah and Suez - where some of the worst unrest has been - ignored a night-time curfew imposed by Mr Morsi and took to the streets. Thousands were again on the streets of Port Said on Tuesday for the latest funerals of those killed, with mourners calling for the downfall of the president. This Friday marks two years since the first fire of the January 25 Egyptian revolution.
Pray: that the projected unrest for this weekend would not take place and that further unrest ceases.
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21241753