On January 29, an Egyptian court refused to rule in a case filed by Mohammed Hegazy (25), a convert who is seeking legal recognition of his conversion from Islam to Christianity. The judges said that Hegazy had not followed the proper legal procedures and stated that, in any case, people cannot convert to "an older religion." "Monotheistic religions were sent by God in chronological order," the court said. "As a result, it is unusual to go from the latest religion to the one that preceded it.... The person who has such an attitude is straying from the right path and threatening the principles, values and precepts of Islam and of Egyptian traditions." Hegazy's decision to file the case in August was related to the birth of his daughter who was born on January 10. If Hegazy does not legally change his religious affiliation, current Egyptian law dictates that his daughter will have to inherit Islam and marry a Muslim man. Hegazy reportedly intends to take his case to Egypt's Supreme Court.
Pray for the Lord to give Hegazy wisdom and guidance as he plans to take his case to a higher court. Pray that he will find peace in knowing that true justice comes from the Lord (Proverbs 29:26).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Egypt, go to the Egypt Country Report.
Legal system Mixed legal system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Egypt
Pray on behalf of those who are facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith. Ask the Lord to provide for their spiritual and practical needs – further strengthening and emboldening them so they can effectively share the message of the Gospel with others in their communities. May the hearts of those who hear it be open and receptive to the wonderful truths contained in God’s Word.
Late into the evening of April 23rd, Islamic militants set fire to several homes and shops owned by Coptic Orthodox Christians in the village of Al-Fawakher, which is located in Egypt's southern Minya province. Although the attackers attempted to prevent the occupants from leaving their burning homes, thankfully there were no reported fatalities.
Local Christians in the village of Misha'at Zaafaranah, located within Egypt's Minya Province, are working to get approval to build a place of worship. The required documents have been submitted to the authorities and, for the meantime, the group of believers were meeting in a temporary structure on the land belonging to the church.
Since 2016, the government of Egypt has been slowly approving the registration of more than 3,700 church buildings that were operating without the required licencing. These buildings were established before 2016, during a time when permits were virtually impossible to get. Although the licencing process now being administered has been long and tedious, thankfully progress is eventually taking place.
Seven years ago, the Egyptian government formed a committee to work through applications to legalize unlicensed church buildings. When the committee was first formed, there were 3,730 outstanding applications. Though the process has been exceedingly slow, thankfully that number has been gradually decreasing. To review previously posted reports on this situation, go to our country report.