Tradition and history teach us that the Church of Alexandria was founded in AD 42 by St. Mark the Apostle. While some Egyptian Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, or to the Coptic and Melkite Catholic Churches, the vast majority presently belong to the Oriental Orthodox Coptic Church of Alexandria. The following 60 Minutes video provides an interesting glimpse into what Copts must endure in an increasingly Islamicized Egypt:
I won't provide much commentary. Suffice it to say, I find it truly shameful that Western Christians have failed to advocate on behalf of the Copts. The plight of Christianity in Egypt - the land wherein the Holy Family took refuge in the early years of Our Lord's life - is a sad indicator of where religious relations are heading throughout the Middle East (and, soon, Europe). Of course, Egypt is not unique, and Christians are suffering terrible persecution elsewhere in the Arab world. Sadly, the situation tends to worsen as the lucky ones escape. Yet should that be the choice they face? Endure persecution in one's homeland, or leave all together?
We must start to openly acknowledge the reality of this slow extermination. We ought also to careful consider the consequences of support for the so-called "Arab Spring," as well as the support we provide to Islamic political groups fighting against tyrannical, yet secular, leaders (e.g., Bashar al-Assad).
I won't provide much commentary. Suffice it to say, I find it truly shameful that Western Christians have failed to advocate on behalf of the Copts. The plight of Christianity in Egypt - the land wherein the Holy Family took refuge in the early years of Our Lord's life - is a sad indicator of where religious relations are heading throughout the Middle East (and, soon, Europe). Of course, Egypt is not unique, and Christians are suffering terrible persecution elsewhere in the Arab world. Sadly, the situation tends to worsen as the lucky ones escape. Yet should that be the choice they face? Endure persecution in one's homeland, or leave all together?
We must start to openly acknowledge the reality of this slow extermination. We ought also to careful consider the consequences of support for the so-called "Arab Spring," as well as the support we provide to Islamic political groups fighting against tyrannical, yet secular, leaders (e.g., Bashar al-Assad).
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