Egypt and the Struggle for Religious Freedom 

About ten percent of Egypt's population of 97 million (2017) are Copts. Over the centuries, the country's Christians have experienced varying degrees of discrimination and, to some extent and in some places, persecution. But they are proud of their country and want to make a positive contribution to society. 

The apostle Mark founded what became the Coptic Orthodox Church as early as the 1st century. That was a thousand years before Christianity came to Norway. Egyptian Christians are proud of the country's long and rich history - especially its biblical connections. Egypt was also the country where Mary, Joseph and Jesus sought refuge during Jesus' childhood. 

Christians in Egypt 

Christians in Egypt have largely always had to fight for their rights. 

Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's president for 30 years, was ousted during the 2011 revolution. The Muslim Brotherhood president, Mohamed Mursi, who was elected in 2012, was forced to step down in 2013. It was a military coup. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is president.  The current regime is fighting terrorism - and in its struggle for control, it also affects a number of human rights activists. 

There are many challenges to being a Christian in Egypt today. In parts of the country, especially in rural areas in Upper Egypt, Christians constantly experience attacks and resistance. Especially under Mursi's regime attacks on churches increased. 

In the big cities, it is somewhat easier to "blend in", but discrimination in bureaucracy and employment is still widespread. There are also large groups of poor Copts who know little about the Christian tradition of which they are a part. Since 2017, there have been a number of major terrorist attacks, several of them carried out by ISIS. 

A major problem in Egypt is the lack of church buildings. Every church building is considered a potential security problem. Many churches have been approved in recent years, but they still have a long way to go. 

Stefanus Alliance partners in Egypt:

Anafora and Anastasia 

Bishop Thomas is a Coptic Orthodox bishop based in the diocese of El-Qussia in Upper Egypt - in the south. He is a fearless advocate for social justice and religious freedom in Egypt. And he has built the Anafora retreat center in the desert between Cairo and Alexandria. 

In the same area, he has started Anastasia - a teaching center where poor, Coptic youth from Upper Egypt receive vocational training and basic help to get by in society. Many of the courses have been aimed at women. In recent years, the training center has grown rapidly and has entered into partnerships with several different universities that provide college qualifications.   

Stefanus Alliance has been working with Bishop Thomas since 2005. In the same year he became the first person to receive the Stefanus Award.  

Stephens Children 

On "garbage mountain" in Cairo live thousands of Christian families who are left to live in, and off, the garbage of the big city. Inspired by the love of Jesus, Mama Maggie has spent three decades building up a ministry called Stephens Children. Stefanus Alliance supports this work. 

Stephens children runs an extensive kindergarten program on "garbage mountain", where the children are given the opportunity for a better life. They also run an extensive visitor program: Every week, the children's families are visited by a diaconal worker who follows up with the family. 

Stephens children work, also includes extensive camp activities for children and youth; several schools; health monitoring of the children and their families; and distribution of food and clothing. At the heart of this diverse work is love for the individual child. Every day, the children are told that they are valuable and loved, and Stephens children’s motto is: "I can".

Stefanus Alliance has been working with Mama Maggie and Stephens children since 2005.