Church in North Sinai under pressure

Since the Egyptian revolution in 2011, the security situation for Christians living on the Sinai peninsular has deteriorated significantly. Religious holidays are no longer publicly celebrated, churches have been looted, burned and closed down, Christians no longer openly wear their religious symbols, such as the cross, and a number of women have started to wear the Hijab, in order to blend in with the rest of the community.

After a number of serious attacks last year, including the shooting of a priest and kidnapping of a Coptic surgeon from the hospital, around 200 Christian families left North Sinai, seeking a safer home for their families.

However, there are still many Christians who want to stay in the area, believing that things will improve for them. But despite many promises from the government, the destroyed churches have not yet been rebuilt and there are now just 2 churches left standing and operating in North Sinai.

• Pray for the Christian community in North Sinai, for hope that is built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
• Pray that those who choose to stay will be protected from harm and can look to rebuild the churches. That they will also look beyond bricks and mortar, to creative ways of meeting together as the Church.
• Pray for those who have left, that they will know peace and find a safe haven for their families.
• Pray that the Church in North Sinai will grow and thrive even under the extreme pressure.

Source: www.persecution.org, http://fikraforum.org