2010-11-24 13:45:00

Christian killed in Egypt demonstrations


At least two Christian have been killed in clashes with police in Egypt, after hundreds of Christians demonstrated against the decision to halt construction of a church in the predominantly Muslim country. Authorities halted construction on the church after claiming the local Christian community had violated a building permit.

Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's population of 80 million, and claim frequent discrimination.

The international Catholic charity, AID to the Church in Need, has been active in supporting efforts to build church structures in Egypt.
ACD media director, John Pontifex told us Christians of all confessions face grave inequalities every day. "There's a background of suspicion and indeed outright hostility towards Christians," said Pontifex. "It means that there's a whole background, a whole culture of uncertainty for Christians."
Pontifex said extreme elements of the Muslim community are pushing for the more intolerant aspects of Muslim thinking to be put into force in public life. "Inevitably," he said, "that's going to put a strain on minority groups, and particularly Christians."

Listen to Chris Altieri's interview with John Pontifex of Aid to the Church in Need: RealAudioMP3









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