Egypt's parliament approves new policy for building churches

August 31, 2016

The Egyptian parliament has approved a new law that provides for the construction of Christian churches. 

Although the law requires local officials to allow for new church buildings, and had the support of the Coptic Orthodox Church (Egypt's largest Christian body), the policy has been criticized by many Christians because its wording is vague enough to allow hostile officials enough latitude to delay or forbid church construction.

The law also requires that any proposed church construction must have the approval of security officials. Coptic Orthodox officials said that they had received assurances that this provision "will not be applied in a rigid manner."

 

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Further information:

• Long live the Cross and the Crescent": the Egyptian Parliament approves the law on the construction of churches (Fides)
• Egypt, Coptic Orthodox Church agree to new law on church construction (CWN, 8/30)