In the early centuries after Christ, Egypt was predominantly Christian and a major centre for Christian scholarship. However, from the 7th century onwards with the initial Islamic invasion in 639 AD, Muslim rule and religion have predominated this ancient land. In 969, the country was conquered by Jawhar al-Siqilli and Cairo was founded as the new capital. Egypt's Coptic Christian church never disappeared, however, despite centuries of persecution and discrimination. Today, Egypt has the Middle East's largest Christian community. Some government figures have suggested that Christians make up twelve percent of the country’s population, with Christians claiming up to twenty percent. It is probably impossible to know for sure.

Despite the prominent Christian community, the country's constitution gives preference to Muslims and Christians are treated as second-class citizens, denied political representation, and often discriminated against in education and employment. While the constitution allows for freedom of conversion, Muslims converting to Christianity have often been unable to change their religion or their name on their identification cards. Without the freedom to make this change, Christian women remain designated as Muslims and are unable to marry Christian men. Children of those designated Muslim (even if they are, in fact, Christian) are educated as Muslims and those with Islamic names are routinely turned away from entering churches by police. Consequently, Christians have frequently had false ID cards produced, only to face prosecution for falsifying government documents. However, Christians who convert to Islam face no difficulty in changing their ID cards.

Egyptian Christians face ongoing challenges in building and repairing church buildings. The government requires permits for such construction but frequently refuses to grant them to churches. When applications are approved, they are often delayed by local authorities or security officials.

Another serious problem facing Christians in Egypt is the kidnapping, and often the rape, of Christian girls who are often then forced to marry a Muslim (even their attacker).

There have been a few hopeful decisions made by the Egyptian government. Some educational materials are now recognizing the Coptic contribution to Egyptian society. As well, the Coptic Christmas was officially recognized as an official national holiday in January 2003 (the Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7).  Despite these moves, Egypt has a long way to go before it can be recognized as a religiously free nation.

• Pray for the safety of Christian young people in Egypt. Pray that those kidnapped will be returned to their families and that they will maintain their Christian faith.
• Pray for those facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith.  Pray that the authorities will uphold the constitutional freedom of religion.
• Pray that the ministry of churches in Egypt will continue and that the Gospel will be preached throughout this nation.