Source(s): International Christian Concern, World Watch Monitor
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The Saint Tadros Church in Menbal. Photo: World Watch Monitor
Abdo Adel Bebawy, 43, has been sentenced to three years in prison for "insulting Islam" following a Facebook post which led to riots in July (see this report). At the time of his original post, friends explained that Abdo was not very literate and did not fully understand what he had posted.
While the sentence is for three years, many in the community believe the harsh ruling is to prevent more mob violence. A lawyer familiar with the case anticipates that the sentence may be overturned or reduced on appeal. This appeal is expected to be heard in late December.
Remember Abdo in your prayers as he now faces this sentence. Pray that the appeal will be successful. May the courts and leaders of the country seek to provide safety and equality for all citizens, regardless of their religion.
Current Ministry Project
VOMC works with international partners to provide a safe place of refuge, counsel and discipleship for Christians from Muslim backgrounds who were forced to flee their homes due to religious pressure from their families, and/or have experienced ostracization from others in their communities because of their identity in Christ.
Legal system Mixed legal system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws
Source: 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.
A church in Egypt. Photo: Flickr / Andrew A. Shenouda (cc)
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 e
While the Egyptian government formed a committee in September 2016 to work through 3,730 applications to legalize unlicenced church buildings, the process has been slow. When VOMC last reported on the situation in September 2021, there were still 1,772 applications rem
A Christian man and his elderly father were shot dead by Islamic terrorists on August 30th while working in their field. Police found the bodies of 40-year-old Hani Waheeb Moussa and his father Salama after family members had lost contact with them. Han
The Coptic church traces its presence in Egypt back to the first century. Photo: Flickr / Edgardo W. Olivera (cc)
In 2016, a government committee was established in Egypt to work through more than 3,700 applications for the legalization of previously unlicenced church buildings. While the process
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