Photo: VOMC
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 remaining (see this page). On November 14th, the most recent batch of approvals was made public, announcing the official licencing of 125 churches and other buildings affiliated with Christian ministry. With these latest authorizations, 2,526 of the 3,730 applications have now been approved.
While the registration process in recent years has been long and tedious, some observers perceive a changing attitude towards Christianity in Egypt. As reported in an editorial from Barnabas Fund, several Egyptian followers of Jesus state that their situation is now better than it has been in living memory. In fact, some have welcomed the safety measures brought in through the licencing process. "We are very thankful for the care being shown to our community by the cabinet committee and we are working closely with them to ensure that all the legalized churches are safe for worshippers and those who live around them," states one church leader.
Regrettably, not all Egyptians support the increasing freedoms being granted to the Christian members of society, and so persecution does continue. To review past reports addressing the challenges of Christians in Egypt, go to our country report.
Praise God for the ongoing changes that have been implemented over recent years to improve the treatment of Christians in Egypt, even though the progress made thus far has been slow and steady. As a result, may relations between Christians and Muslims in local areas improve considerably as well, and may leaders representing the country's various levels of government continue to take positive measures for the promotion of peace and equality. Finally, pray that the approval process of the remaining church applications will be streamlined to prevent any further unnecessary delays.
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