Egypt to recognise Copt converts
ICC Note
According a decision by an Egyptian court, Christians who converted to Islam and wanted to reconvert to Christianity can do so. But Egyptians who are born Muslims and who decide to convert to Christianity dont benefit from this decision.
By Bob Trevelyan
Feburary 9, 2008 Egypt (BBC News) – An Egyptian court has ruled that 12 Christians who converted to Islam and then reverted to Christianity can have their faith officially recognised.
This is a case that has tested Egypt ‘s tolerance of conversions from Islam.
A lawyer for the 12 Coptic Christians described the case as a victory for human rights and freedom of religion.
Limited application
Reports say the judge decided that the Copts should not be considered apostates for converting from Islam, because they had been born Christian.
This suggests that Egyptians born Muslim will still be unable to convert to other faiths and have those conversions recognised on their identity cards. Many Muslims believe that converting from Islam is wrong, and some believe it is punishable by death.
