10/22/2020 Egypt (International Christian Concern) – In 2019, three major church denominations fought amongst themselves and government officials over the heavily debated personal status law regarding marriage for Egyptian non-Muslims. As an Islamic country, this law would give non-Muslims the ability to regulate their internal affairs, like marriage.
However, the Egyptian constitution does not recognize denominational differences when it comes to regulating personal status laws. The three major denominations, the Coptic Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Evangelical churches, sought to push personal status law for greater religious freedom. Disagreements between the churches and government officials stalled the discussion for more than a year. The government, which follows Sharia, said that the law was contrary to Islamic law.
Despite this delay, the law has taken a step forward recently. On October 19, 2020, all three Egyptian churches agreed on the personal status law draft before its submission to the cabinet. It is a significant step towards the progression of religious freedom for all. Now it is on to the government for their approval or denial. Please pray for the law to help gain freedom for the Christian church in Egypt.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
