CFI’s Egyptian co-worker has reported that danger is on the rise for Coptic Christians in Egypt, in the aftermath of the U.S. embassy attack that took place on September 11.
The attack, which was reportedly in retaliation for an anti-Islamic film created by an Israeli-American filmmaker that blasphemed the prophet Mohammed, was carried out this week in conjunction with a similar attack that occurred at the U.S. embassy in Libya. Four people, including Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other American workers, were killed in the bombing attack in Libya.
“This film has impacted the Coptic community here,” says CFI’s co-worker in Egypt. “A [Muslim fanatic]…and other Salafis tore the Holy Bible in front of the U.S. embassy. He threatened the Copts, saying that Muslims will get revenge for insulting the prophet Mohammed. Yesterday, Egyptian Muslim protesters took down the American flag from the walls of the embassy…and replaced it with another bearing the Islamic declaration of faith, ‘There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the prophet of Allah.’ And yesterday, some Muslim fanatics attacked the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Minya. I think this film will lead to sectarian strife in Egypt. There is a situation of panic and fear among Copts here…I think that Christian persecution will increase because of this film. Pray for us.”
CFI encourages all Christians to pray for the safety of their spiritual brethren in Egypt during this dangerous and difficult time.