Egyptian Christians reject US Senate interference in their affairs
Egypt-USA, Religion, 3/28/1998

Egypt's Christians expressed disagreement with claims published in some US media outlets pertaining to their condition in Egypt, and stated disapproval of having their affairs the subject of US senate hearings.

Christian intellectual, Dr. Rafeek Habib stated that the so-called statements that speak of "oppression" of Christians in Egypt have no basis in reality. Habib considered the American senate's discussion of the oppression of Christians in the Middle East "as a proof" that US policies depend on complete domination and the imposition of its own values on countries.

Habib criticized some in the immigrant Christian organizations that are engaged in such activities saying that they are practicing political extremism, pointing out that their statements has transcended politics and has become a "semi-separatist" call in support of external parties.

He explained that "these communities distinguish between the citizens of Egypt" as if "Moslems in Egypt are another party, and as if there is conflict between two separate entities or different nations."

The Watani Journal, that is closely associated with Egyptian Christians' point of view rejected any interference in Egyptian internal affairs under the pretext of protecting Christians. The journal had criticized the Egyptian authorities when they permitted foreign committees to visit Egypt to assess "the situation."

A delegation from the New York Council of Churches visited Egypt recently and met with a number of government officials. The arrival of a delegation representing Protestant and Catholic organizations is expected next week for the same purpose.

The Egyptian authorities faces criticism from the US Senate accusing them of practicing repression against Christians, a claim which Egypt's President Mubarak categorically denied, stating that there is no inequality between Christians and Moslems in Egypt.

Previous Stories:
  Delegation of New York Churches in Egypt   (3/14/1998)
  Egyptian film reading the relations between Christians and Moslems in Egypt   (3/4/1998)
  Aramaic: the language of the Christ, and the stolen Icon   (2/16/1998)

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