Call for end to discrimination in Egypt

The last few weeks have seen an escalation in violence against Christians in Egypt AP

The head of the Coptic Church in the UK is calling upon Egypt to allow all citizens to live freely according to their beliefs.

The statement by Bishop Angaelos marks the second anniversary of the uprising in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

He urges the Egyptian government to bring an end to violence against Christians and move towards a democracy in which freedom of religion is respected.

Egypt's minority Christian community has been hit by three attacks in recent weeks.

A building in Fayoum was destroyed by a mob after a rumour emerged that it was going to be used as a church.

In Qena, eight Coptic homes and businesses were attacked by Muslim protesters. Buildings and vehicles were torched and the church of Abu Fam was damaged. The attack was triggered by rumours of a Christian man sexually assaulting a six-year-old Muslim girl, later found to be false.

In Beba, a criminal gang occupied a church building and turned it into a drugs den. Police reportedly failed to intervene.

Bishop Angaelos called for the protection of places of worship and full investigations into the latest attacks.

The recent imprisonment of a mother and her seven children for converting to Christianity also prompted calls for the freedom to change religious beliefs.

"As we approach the second anniversary of the uprising in Tahrir Square, it is unfortunate that these incidents are by no means isolated," he said.

"They are merely the latest in a continuous stream of discriminatory decisions facing Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike, who wish to be treated equally, regardless of their religious or political beliefs.

"Considering the significant sacrifice that has been presented over the past two years, even leading to the loss of life, it is time for Egypt to emerge out of the pattern of discriminatory practice, and take on its new identity of a promised democracy that the January 2011 uprising sought to establish."

News
President Trump's Arctic love affair
President Trump's Arctic love affair

Surely an ally should not be presented with a take it or leave it poke in the eye?

Bradford Cathedral to host launch of 2025 Cathedrals Cycle Relay in UK City of Culture Year
Bradford Cathedral to host launch of 2025 Cathedrals Cycle Relay in UK City of Culture Year

The third national Cathedrals Cycle Relay (CCR) is set to launch on 24 May 2025 from Bradford Cathedral, coinciding with Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture.

Megachurch pastor criticises Disney's ‘Snow White’ remake for abandoning biblical themes
Megachurch pastor criticises Disney's ‘Snow White’ remake for abandoning biblical themes

Harvest pastor Greg Laurie has criticised Disney’s live-action remake of ‘Snow White’ for stripping away what he sees as its original gospel-centred message. 

US warns UK over free speech, citing pro-lifer's prosecution
US warns UK over free speech, citing pro-lifer's prosecution

The US state department has issued a statement saying it is "concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom" and that it is "monitoring" the case of a pro-life woman prosecuted for holding a sign offering help within an abortion clinic "buffer zone".