Egypt
Christians are key to support for el-Sissi in upcoming Egypt election
By Mina Nader — March 5, 2018
CAIRO (RNS) — Since Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi took over Egypt’s presidency four years ago, he has worked to improve life for Coptic Christians, giving them near equal rights and benefits as Muslims even as their churches have been attacked by terrorists.
Baby Jesus was a Dreamer in Egypt
By Thomas Reese — January 9, 2018
(RNS) — Christians, especially those who believe that Scripture should be the foundation of American law, should be leading the charge in support of Dreamers, refugees and other immigrants.
Egyptian Parliament considers outlawing atheism
By Kimberly Winston — January 4, 2018
(RNS) — It is already illegal to 'defame' religion, but a new law would make it a crime to have no belief in God.
Gunman opens fire on Cairo church; shootout kills at least 9
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 29, 2017
(AP) Egypt's Christian minority has been targeted by Islamic militants in a series of attacks since December 2016 that left more than 100 dead and scores wounded.
Egypt raises death toll in Sinai mosque attack to 305
By Yonat Shimron — November 25, 2017
ISMAILIA, Egypt (AP) — Military and security forces have already been waging a tough campaign against militants in the towns, villages and desert mountains of Sinai.
Unrelenting killing of Coptic Christians intensifies debate over martyrdom
By guest — October 13, 2017
CAIRO (RNS) — 'We need to stop viewing this harassment toward us with pride and saying terrorism gives us a chance to play the same role our ancestors did like in those Sunday school stories about the torture of martyrs,' said Bassem Al-Janoubie, an Egyptian Coptic Christian.
Kenya’s presidential race takes pages from the Bible
By Lauren Markoe — October 11, 2017
NAIROBI (RNS) — Religion has long figured prominently into Kenyan politics. But the great lengths presidential candidates and their supporters have gone to to connect themselves to the Bible and its heroes in the lead-up to this month's presidential election have disturbed many religious leaders and scholars.
Clerics offering religious edicts in Cairo metro stir debate
By Jerome Socolovsky — August 2, 2017
CAIRO (AP) — The booth in Cairo's al-Shohada subway station is part of a push to correct misconceptions and misinterpretations of religious texts seen as fostering Islamic militancy in the country.
What makes killing Christians appealing?
By Ayman S. Ibrahim — May 26, 2017
(RNS) While today’s world calls for tolerance and coexistence between faiths, militants rely on verses that offer a direct command to attack Christians and Jews.
Masked gunmen kill 28 in attack on Christians in Egypt
By Reuters — May 26, 2017
CAIRO (Reuters) - The Copts were massacred as they were traveling to a monastery. Many children were among the victims.
After Egypt trip, Pope Francis hails ‘healthy secularism’ approach
By Josephine McKenna — May 3, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Francis said Egypt’s rich history and cultural heritage should be the basis for 'the construction of social and civil order' in which all citizens regardless of their origin or religion can work together.
Francis and Benedict: Two popes, two divergent approaches to Islam
By Christopher Lamb — May 2, 2017
ROME (RNS) During his brief visit to Egypt, Pope Francis showed his preference for engaging Islam to defuse religiously inspired violence. But will his approach work any better than that of his predecessor?
Pope Francis tells Egyptian Christians to show extremism only in love of others
By Christopher Lamb — April 29, 2017
CAIRO (RNS) 'The only fanaticism believers can have is that of charity,' the pontiff told his embattled minority flock at a Mass before returning to Rome.
Pope Francis tells Muslim leaders in Egypt to fight violence in God’s name
By Christopher Lamb — April 28, 2017
CAIRO (RNS) "'No!' to every form of violence, vengeance, and hatred carried out in the name of God,” the pontiff told top Sunni authorities at the start of a momentous two-day trip.
Pope Francis faces another delicate — and dangerous — task in Egypt trip
By Christopher Lamb — April 26, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pontiff's visit this weekend is brief but rich with references to pivotal — and bloody — episodes from history that continue to loom today.
