“When they held all the power, in 2012 and 2013, it was very risky for a Christian to walk alone in the street,” he continued. “Our churches were threatened and hundreds were burned down. Now we live in relative safety. There are fanatics and terrorists, like everywhere, but they are under control.”
According to ACN, which documents religious-based persecution around the world, there are still “disturbing signs” of Christian persecution in Egypt. The foundation said that Christians in Egypt are often victims of attacks and crimes, are discriminated against by the law, and “do not enjoy the same rights as their Muslim fellow citizens.”
But not everything is negative, according to Sidrak.
“Yes, we are experiencing difficulties, particularly youth unemployment,” he said. However, “we have impressive demographics. Two million Egyptians are born every year. And the job market is not keeping up. Many young people are affected by unemployment, which creates frustration.”
“We also receive many migrants from countries at war,” he added. “We’ve already received Syrians, and now it’s the Sudanese who are coming to us in search of refuge.”
Amid the challenges, he said, the Coptic Catholic Church has mobilized not only to welcome migrants but also to strengthen its social role, especially in education and health.
In the report published June 20, the archbishop said that today, many Muslims want to send their children to Catholic schools.
“This not only helps to educate our people but also to keep them united, despite religious differences,” Sidrak said.
This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.
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