*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
Egypt (click here to view a satellite map)
Egypt, North Africa
Population: 77,505,756
Christians: 6-12%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 17th
Political Leader: President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
Egypt is the most populous Arab nation, having over 70 million people and growing fast. President Mubarak's ruling National Democratic Party is cautiously proceeding with political and economic reform. National groups are campaigning for better human rights.
The Christian Church in Egypt dates from the time of the apostles and represents 8-10% of the population. All citizens are assigned a religious registration at birth, normally that of their father, which is recorded on a person's identity card. The designation on identity cards cannot be changed to reflect becoming a Christian. This causes serious problems for those who choose to follow Jesus, especially concerning marriage and the education of children.
Christians in Egypt are some of the most persecuted in the world. The government often prevents them from building new churches, getting jobs, and sending their children to school, resulting in poverty for many Christians.
Prayer Points
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Pray for wisdom for those who have chosen to follow Jesus and suffer serious problems because they cannot change their religious registration. |
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Pray that God will encourage the Egyptian Christians to be bold and courageous. |
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Pray that God will bring true religious freedom to Egypt with the right for Muslims to convert to Christianity. |
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Pray that the reform process will bring benefits to all citizens of Egypt, and that the general human rights situation will improve. |
Dear LORD God, we thank you for the land of Egypt. Grant wisdom and courage to President Mubarak and all who are seeking to bring reform to Egypt. Empower your Church to stand firm in the love and truth of Jesus. Grant patience and perseverance to those who have chosen to follow Jesus. May each receive the discipleship training they need and find mutually nourishing fellowship. Amen |
