Coptic Christians
Egypt arrests Coptic community rights activist amid heightened surveillance measures
By Roxanne Stone — December 5, 2019
CAIRO (RNS) — Early on Nov. 23, plainclothes police arrived at the home of Ramy Kamel, a tailor and advocate for the Coptic community. Human rights groups have expressed alarm over Kamel's arrest and a renewed crackdown on activists and journalists in Egypt.
Egypt’s Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas, ponder changing date
By Mina Nader — December 26, 2018
EL KOSHEH, Egypt (RNS) — Some argue this ancient community should move its Christmas celebration from Jan. 7 to Dec. 25 as a sign of global Christian unity.
Anger erupts in Egypt after massacre of Christian pilgrims
By Mina Nader — November 5, 2018
MINYA, Egypt (RNS) — An assault that killed seven Coptic Christians on Friday (Nov. 2) follows a May 2017 ambush at the same location, also by the Egyptian branch of the Islamic State. Now, Copts say they have had enough of platitudes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pope condemns Cairo church bombing as victims are mourned
By Josephine McKenna — December 12, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "We are united in the blood of our martyrs,” Francis told Coptic Pope Tawadros II after one of the deadliest attacks on Egypt's Christian minority in modern times. It appeared to target women and children.
At least 25 killed by blast near Cairo cathedral
By RNS staff — December 11, 2016
The blast took place as a Sunday Mass being held in the chapel was about to end and coincided with a national holiday in Egypt marking the birth of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.
Activists: West is ignoring genocide of Middle East religious minorities
By Lauren Markoe — September 8, 2016
(RNS) The plight of Christians in the Middle East is all but ignored, say their advocates.
Christians thrown overboard by Obama (COMMENTARY)
By Kirsten Powers — April 22, 2015
President Obama just can't seem to find any passion for the mass persecution of Middle Eastern Christians or the eradication of Christianity from its birthplace.
Coptic Christians increasingly feel endangered in Libya and Egypt
By Monique El-Faizy — February 16, 2015
CAIRO (RNS) The families of the victims had been holding protests and meetings since the abductions in an effort to prod the Egyptian government to secure their release but had received little support or information, according to people in contact with the families.
Suzan Johnson Cook defends her work on religious freedom and explains why she left
By Lauren Markoe — October 28, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) The Obama administration's ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom is hoping to make more money in the private sector.
ANALYSIS: Persecuted Coptic Christians still hopeful
By Monique El-Faizy — September 5, 2013
(RNS) Christians in the West are often quick to claim persecution, while their counterparts in Egypt, whose churches are being burned by the dozens, are lately shying away from the term.
Study: Religious oppression rises despite Arab Spring
By Lauren Markoe — June 20, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) The number of countries in the region with sectarian or communal violence between religious groups doubled from five to 10 during 2011, a year that coincided with most of the political uprisings of Arab Spring.
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