Tens of thousands of Coptic Christians flee Egypt after Islamist takeover
“With the new constitution, the new laws that are expected, and the majority in parliament I don’t believe we can be treated on an equal basis,” said a congregation leader in Cairo’s Church of St Mary and St John the Baptist.
He said he knew a dozen families who had left already and 40 or 50 more friends who had applied – including, he added, liberal Muslim families who were also unhappy with the prospect of more restrictive laws.
There were 2 Coptic churches in the United States 40 years ago, whereas there are now 200.
The most recent opened in Arlington, outside Washington, last year. “We are trying to accommodate all of the new arrivals,” said Atef Yacoub, a member of the area’s Coptic community. “People are coming and staying by applying for asylum or seeking employment visas.”
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
You could knock me over with a feather.
///
Bitter Clinger on January 14, 2013 at 5:22 PM
If it was a Christian, Jewish, Hindu, or Buddhist takeover, there would be no worries. Your rights would be fully protected. Islam is a gang — predatory, clannish, and highly intolerant of differences. And don’t dare try to leave the gang, or they will hunt you down and kill you.
Paul-Cincy on January 14, 2013 at 5:30 PM
Just don’t make any internet videos. You could wind up in jail.
rbj on January 14, 2013 at 5:49 PM
Obama’s peeps.
tom daschle concerned on January 14, 2013 at 5:58 PM
They would be a useful addition to America. Their firsthand experience with Islam will help be a antidote to the “Islam means Peace” crowd that now inhabits this country.
William Eaton on January 14, 2013 at 6:20 PM
They’re leaving? But isn’t that fertile ground for missionary work? Aren’t they supposed to be saving those souls? Won’t God protect them? They don’t seem to be trusting the Lord to protect them.
Dan_Yul on January 14, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Obama- achieving Osama’s goals more effectively than Bin Laden.
profitsbeard on January 14, 2013 at 6:37 PM
Thanks Obama!
sadsushi on January 14, 2013 at 9:38 PM
Ignoring the fact that you’re a cowardly troll who’s never faced persecution in your entire sorry life, here’s the answer:
Mission work is unproductive when not only the government but also the populace is hostile to your message. In a hardline Islamic nation it’s a serious challenge for a Christian to not get beheaded just going through his/her day.
Then there’s the danger of a random raid or a snitchy neighbor at worship/Bible study meetings, and when about 95% of the populace would turn you in for no reward other than outing in an ‘infidel’, this is a pretty serious concern. Add that danger to everyday life and you’ll understand the previous paragraph better.
There are times to be brave and preach the truth no matter what horrors it may bring. And make no mistake, childish troll, we have faced and suffered fates worse than death. But at some point it IS appropriate to “shake the dust off your sandals” because everyone from the top man on down not only rejects your God and your message but would kill you in the public square without batting an eye.
MelonCollie on January 14, 2013 at 9:55 PM