Egyptian Christians face constant proselytism, discrimination

(May 09, 2012) Christians in Egypt face constant proselytism and discrimination said a Jesuit historian and Islamic Studies professor. Discussing the situation of Christians in various Middle Eastern nations, Fr. Samir Khalil described the barrage of Muslim proselytism that Egyptian Christians regularly face. He said “The whole day and during the whole year, you are bombarded with Islamic propaganda starting at five in the morning.They start their preaching using megaphones and this is five times a day. Then you have the radio and television.Often your neighbours play these programs at a high volume and you cannot complain because your neighbour will justify by saying that its God’s word.” Fr. Samir said the television and film are also inundated with Islamic propaganda. In the schools, the boys and girls start their day with Islamic teaching. It starts when the students are outside where they are again inundated by Islamic propaganda, which is called Khutbah. When there is a transition from one teacher to the next, the same ritual is again repeated, he said. Regarding employment, Fr. Samir said when one is looking for work particularly in the public sector, you are asked for your name, which is normal, but in Egypt, you are asked your name, your father’s name and your grandfather’s name, and if there is no mention of Mohammed in your series of names then you are known to be a Christian and it could be a reason for a refusal of a job. He added that there is discrimination also in the university.