After the conclusion of Egypt’s parliamentary elections last week, many Christians fear that government control by Islamists will lock them into second-class status and increase persecution against Christians. However, some believers rejoice that the recent wave of persecution has prompted many nominal Christians to turn to Christ for solace.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party and the Al Nour Party, made up of members from the extremist Salafi group, now hold almost two-thirds of Egypt’s parliamentary seats. According to the AP, the newly elected parliament’s primary function is to select a 100-person commission to draft a new constitution for Egypt.
A local Christian casting her ballot, 22-year-old Marcelle Mageh, told Compass Direct News that Christian persecution increased dramatically after former president Hosni Mubarak fell from power and conservative Muslims took control. “You see all the problems that have happened before they got into power,” Mageh said. “Imagine what will happen when they get into power.”
After Mubarak stepped down, Christians’ joy quickly turned to fear as they experienced a string of attacks from members of the Salafi movement and other Muslims. The extremists attacked Christian-owned businesses, burned churches and prevented congregations from opening churches. Christians were also attacked in the streets throughout Egypt.
“It seems that Egyptian Christians are going through a spiritual revolution since the recent persecution began,” said a VOM worker in the region. “More and more are becoming true believers.” This past Christmas, Coptic Christians, evangelicals and Catholics joined in a prayer vigil for Christians injured during the various protests that attracted 65,000. “Many are witnessing more and sharing the gospel,” the VOM worker added.
Lilian Sobhy, a surgeon who worked at a medical center during the October riots, told Compass Direct News that more persecution is inevitable but that Christians who focus on the expectation of persecution are missing the point. Sobhy thinks Christians need to focus more on how to deal with persecution when it does come.
“We believe that if the church is standing in the right place it is going to be glorious, so we don’t really care who is going to win,” Sobhy said. “Wherever it is going to happen, we believe that the Lord is sovereign.”
Sources: VOM contacts, Compass Direct News, The Associated Press, United Press International, Moscow Times
