“Egypt is not a country where we live, but a homeland that lives in us”

Introduction:

 Since the dawn of time, Egypt’s social fabric has remained unchanged. Throughout history, peace
has prevailed among all Muslim and Coptic Egyptians, guaranteeing a solid social fabric, which
helped Egypt confront every challenge that came its way.
 'Amr ibn al-'As’ “letter of peace” to Pope Benjamin I of Alexandria stated “Whenever Pope
Benjamin is, we promise him protection, safety and Allah’s peace. Let the Patriarch return, safe
and tranquil, and administer the affairs of his religion and his nation”.
 Throughout history, Egyptian civilization and heritage have accommodated different cultures and
religions, without discrimination between Muslims and Christians. This is the glory of the one
homeland; it opened its arms to different ideas, faiths, and Allah gave promises of safety and
security in Egypt, when He said, “Enter Egypt, Allah willing, safe and secure.” Allah’s Prophet
Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) also said, “Be kind to Egyptian Copts, for they are your
protégés and kith and kin.”
 Egyptian people and army have firmly stood together against all forms of military and intellectual
invasions, setting an example of perfect national accord, awareness and willpower. Egypt could
prove the strength and fine mettle of its people, whether Muslims or Christians, as they together
overcame all crises and hardships and lived in prosperity, in a harmonious social fabric, where
churches’ hymns and mosques’ calls for prayer are one.
Egypt After the January 2011 Revolution

 The January 25 Revolution demonstrated the ardor and strength of the Egyptian national fabric.
For thousands of years, no Christian was forced to embrace Islam. The crescent and the cross
united in the 1919 Revolution, and slogans like “Religion for Allah; homeland to all” were
upheld. Places of worship were sacred, and they were protected, whether they were Muslim or
Christian, thus embodying the spirit of citizenship and the fortitude of Egyptians.
Egypt Under Muslim Brotherhood Rule

 Since the foundation of the MB in Egypt in 1928, it has played a systematic and strategic role in
Egyptian politics, in cooperation with foreign entities. They conspired against Egypt, incited
sedition and were blasphemous. This paved the way for the birth of extremist and terrorist entities
and groups, which used religion to achieve their deplorable goals.
 Egyptians have decided to pay the price to keep their social fabric intact. The January 25
Revolution unmasked the ugly truth about the MB, when they rose to power in 2012. They used
the situation then to engage in fierce battles on the political front. They killed people, despoiled
state and personal assets, fomented factional demands through their members in different
syndicates, and sought control of the state apparatus to deliver sharp blows to the most powerful
political, economic, and social epicenters of the country in general, and military and security ones
in particular.
 Egyptians realized the gravity and truth of the threat they were faced with. One year after the MB
rose to power, the crucial moment came, when an unprecedented number of Egyptians (34
millions) revolted against them all over the country, in a popular revolution where all segments of
society participated. The Egyptian army took the people’s side, raising the slogan of “The People
and the Army are One”. Every Egyptian Muslim and Christian stood by this principle.
  Principles of Egyptian national accord have set a unique example for modern revolutions,
inspired by the depth of Egyptian civilization and national unity. Egypt confronted all terrorist
operations targeting the destruction and burning down of Christian places of worship. They were
83 operations, which targeted churches, convent schools and Christian retreats, not forgetting
Christians’ private properties, especially after the dispersal of the Rabaa and al-Nahda sit-ins.
 The crimes of the MB have emanated from one idea they are still promoting: trying to claim the
existence of a conflict between Egyptian Muslims and Christians, to attract the attention of
Western public opinion and convince Western governments to interfere in Egyptian affairs.
However, national unity and awareness and Egyptians’ willpower have been the cornerstones of
overcoming the situation and all the complicated events associated with it. Thanks are only due to
the unity of Egyptian Muslims and Christians.
 The MB’s time in office was hardest on Christians, because during that time, they were
discriminated against, and hate speech was prevalent against them. The MB claimed that
Christians wanted to sabotage their “Renaissance” project and Islamic rule.
 Former President Mohamed Morsi was removed on July 3, 2013, and the MB started targeting
Christians for the first time, punishing them for participating in the June 30, 2013. They
threatened to kill them or destroy their properties using their platforms in Rabaa and al-Nahda.
They assassinated a priest in al-Arish in a terrorist operation. They burned down churches in al-
Minya. They persistently attacked Christians’ places of worship and personal properties, as
previously mentioned.
Egypt After June 30 2013
The President’s Support of Christians

 President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi effectively upheld the principle of citizenship when he participated
in the Church’s celebrations throughout his time in office. In addition, he frequently visits the St.
Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbasia and meets Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria. The
President therefore established a legacy that demonstrates Egypt’s strong social fabric.
 President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Pope Tawadros, senior state officials and Egyptian Christians and
Muslims all participated in the military funeral of the Petrine Church martyrs. The President
himself declared the name of the attacker, and reassured people that retribution will follow.
 To immortalize the names of Muslim and Christian martyrs, the President inaugurated two giant
bridges under the names of Martyr Abanob Girgis and Colonel Mohammed al-Mansi, in honor of
Egyptians’ fight against terrorism.
 83 churches have been rebuilt and renovated, in addition to many Christians’ private properties.
Legislation

 Representatives of the three Christian denominations have participated in drafting the Egyptian
2014 Constitution, which established the principle of citizenship, by passing Article 244. This
article mandated positive discrimination favoring certain segments of society, like Christians,
who were allocated 39 seats in the Parliament for both men and women, which was
unprecedented.
Articles in the Egyptian Constitution Demonstrating the Value of Citizenship
  Article (53): “All citizens are equal before the Law. They are equal in rights, freedoms and
general duties, without discrimination based on religion, belief, sex, origin, race, color, language,
disability, social class, political or geographic affiliation or any other reason.”
 The Constitution also stated that discrimination and hate speech are crimes punishable by law.
 The government is responsible for taking necessary procedures to eliminate all forms of
discrimination, and the law organizes the establishment of an independent commission for this
purpose.
Most Significant Signs Indicating Upholding the Principle of Citizenship

 The Churches Establishment Law was passed on August 30, 2016. Since, it was passed, 17
churches have been built all over Egypt. Recently, more churches have been built too, and more
than 4000 churches have been legalized.
 The Parliament is currently discussing the law, which will allow the establishment of a “Supreme
Anti-Discrimination Commission”.
 Christians are now taking on more leadership positions in ministries and the state apparatus.
 A huge cathedral was built in the New Administrative Capital.
“A homeland without churches is better than churches without a homeland”
Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria