Hundreds of Islamists have destroyed a building belonging to St. Georg Taymah Coptic Orthodox Church in the Diocese of Fayyum, located in central Egypt 133 km south of Cairo. According to the Egyptian news agency Middle East Christian News, it happened on January 15 in the afternoon. The reason for the attack is still unknown. The building, which was to serve as a parish hall, was under construction.
Pastor Rafic Greiche points out that such incidents have become common in Egypt since the Muslim Brotherhood came to power. "This week, three more buildings have been attacked in other parts of Egypt," he says. The priest said that these incidents happen in rural areas and are often linked to disputes between the Coptic and Muslim communities. Religious hatred is just an excuse. In addition, the climate of impunity and insecurity that in recent years has allowed many families with ties to the criminal underworld to act without consequence.
Since the fall of President Mubarak and the rise to power of the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists, attacks on churches and Christian buildings have increased. In the poorest areas of the country, but also in the capital, cuts to public security and the army have left Christians powerless to stop these attacks, which the Salafists have incited. With their money and promises, the extremists encourage residents to drive out Christians and take over their properties, taking advantage of the absence of clear laws and regulations regarding the construction of religious buildings.
Source: AsiaNews
