• 05:14
  • Wednesday ,01 May 2013
العربية

How to promote the Coptic issue?

Mena Habeeb

Article Of The Day

00:05

Wednesday ,01 May 2013

How to promote the Coptic issue?
I know that many people all over the world are interested in the Egyptian history and antiquities. However, most of them don’t even know that Christians represent 10 - 15% of the Egyptian population. Therefore, they don’t know to what extent the Copts are being prosecuted in their home country, where they are pretty much ranked as second degree citizens and are discriminated against through writing the religion in the identification card. 
In fact, as the Islamists were approaching power in Egypt, the already deteriorated conditions and freedoms of the Copts have been deteriorating much more. It’s became so clear that the biggest Christian minority in the Middle East, the Copts, is in bad need for some help in order to encourage their government to protect them, their churches and properties, and to get the criminals who kill and rob them on trials…etc. 
As the Copts were demanding equal citizenship in their home country, many Islamists described them, in public and on private televisions, as infidels who should be persecuted until they convert to Islam. In fact, fanatics feel free to incite against the Copts, teaching their fans and disciples that the Copts, being a stumbling block before the great Islamic project or the Islamic Caliphate, should be killed or forced to immigrate out of Egypt.
On the other hand, I’m sure that the Copts are not going to leave their country for one reason or another. They didn’t leave it in spite of the terrible persecutions they have been facing since the first century of Christianity when St. Mark the evangelist has founded the Coptic Church.
However, don’t you think we should do something to help them? At least we can teach our children and friends about those Copts who miss the freedom many of us have. We need to share ideas and effort in order to promote this Coptic cause. 
I tell the Copts all over the world: it’s such a perfect time to work for the Coptic issue for Christ’s sakes, and for our beloved Egypt as well. Don’t hesitate as our country is changing and indeed we can make a difference. You should know it’s definitely a perfect time for those with just causes to speak and claim their rights.