The Christians of Egypt, amounting to approximately 10% of the population, have expressed growing despondency as to the nature of the draft constitution. Church leaders have found themselves repeatedly shut out of dialogue by the nations’ Salafis who are determined to enshrine their dominance into law.
While the future constitution looks bleak for religious minorities, the persecution of the Coptic community continues each day, says The Dignitatis Humanae Institute. Since President Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood gained power dozens of Christians have been murdered in addition to increased attacks on Christian property and the burning of Churches. Kidnappings are not uncommon as well as reports of qualified Christians being turned away from employment.
Speaking from his office in Westminster to the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, Lord Alton, Honorary President of the British Coptic Association and Chairman of the Cross-Party Working Group on Human Dignity, appealed to the Egyptian government to remain true to their election assurances:
“Mohammed Morsi swept to power on the promise that he would rule for all Egyptians, including the Christian community. As the future constitution is drafted and the next chapter of Egyptian history determined, President Morsi must be held accountable to his solemn pledge to bring peace and tolerance to the marginalised communities of Egypt. The Coptic community have shown remarkable forbearance in these past five months, I sincerely hope their patience with the new government will not be betrayed through further degradation.”
Albany Tribune, Nov. 23, 2012
