Muslims violently protest re-opening of church in Egypt

A church in Cairo, Egypt, was recently prevented from re-opening due to pressure
from authorities and local Muslims. Three years ago, in November 2008, Egypt's
State Security Intelligence service closed down the Church of the Virgin Mary
and St. Abraam in Ain Shams, a poor section of the city, after a group of
protesting Muslims blocked the entrance. On May 19, the day the church was
scheduled to re-open, hundreds of Muslims gathered outside to protest. They
surrounded the building, preventing anyone from getting into it and trapping
priests who were inside. They also threw rocks and threatened to kill the lead
priest. Several people were injured, including a Christian bystander who was
beaten by Muslims when he tried to record the attack on a cell phone. As a
result of the protest, the provisional military authority has backed away from
its promise to the church to re-open. At last report, it was unknown if any of
the Muslim protestors have been arrested.

Pray for healing for those injured. Pray this congregation will indeed be able
to re-open its church. Pray that, in the face of violence, Egyptian believers
will confidently entrust themselves to Christ and preach the gospel without
hesitation (2 Timothy 1:7-12). Pray that authorities will justly protect
Christian citizens against opposition from militant Islamists.