Called from Egypt: What is it like to live as a Christian in Egypt

Egypt once gave refuge to the young Lord Jesus Christ, as we are told in Matthew’s Gospel (2:15): “And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’” Yet living as a Christian in Egypt comes with many challenges. In a society where Islam is the majority religion (Christians make up only 10% of the population) believers often face limitations in daily life, ranging from social exclusion to legal and economic pressures. And yet, their faith continues, quietly but faithfully lived out in worship, service and perseverance.

Churches in Egypt

For decades Christians in Egypt faced severe legal and bureaucratic barriers to building or repairing places of worship. A 2016 Law for Building and Restoring Churches aimed to redress this imbalance by creating a committee to license churches that operated without formal approval.

The committee has since licensed 3,453 church buildings out of 3,730 that applied after the law was passed. However, the process remains opaque, inconsistent and painfully slow. Tens of thousands of churches still await legal recognition. Some have applied, but it is not clear whether their applications are under consideration; others have been unable to apply due to various bureaucratic reasons.

Without licensing, congregations risk having their churches sealed or demolished by local authorities under the pretext of lacking permits, even when they have applied. Small house churches, especially those attended by converts from Islam, often operate in secret, vulnerable to raids and community backlash.

Even legally recognised churches face restrictions: requests for renovation or expansion are frequently delayed or denied, and public worship can draw unwanted attention from extremists. In contrast, mosques face few comparable hurdles. This inequality entrenches a sense of marginalisation, subtly affirming the belief that Christians are second-class citizens in their own homeland.

Conversion from Islam: A difficult path

While Egypt’s constitution technically upholds freedom of belief, conversion from Islam is fraught with risk. Christian converts from Islam (Muslim-background believers, or MBBs) are often ostracised, disowned or threatened with violence, even death. Families may consider conversion a shameful betrayal, and local communities may incite hostility or physical harm.

Legally, a convert cannot amend their religious affiliation on official documents. Remaining registered as “Muslim” limits their civil rights and places them in legal limbo. It also forces many to live under false identities, complicating marriage, inheritance and access to education.

Some MBBs have been arrested under vague charges such as “insulting Islam” or “disturbing public peace”, often based on Christian materials found in their possession or on social media. As a result, many worship discreetly, often in isolated settings or underground fellowships.

Economic inequality and discrimination against Christians

Christians in Egypt face persistent social and economic marginalisation. In public institutions, such as the military, judiciary and universities, they remain underrepresented, particularly in senior leadership. In rural areas, access to quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities is limited for Christian families.

In some professions, Christian applicants are quietly excluded. They may be passed over for promotions , or their businesses overlooked due to religious identity. Social mobility is difficult, and those who succeed may face resentment or suspicion. Tensions can escalate into violence when Christians are perceived to have “overstepped” cultural boundaries.

In Upper Egypt, entire Christian communities often live in poverty, with few resources or legal protections. Christian women bear a double burden, facing both religious and gender-based discrimination. Widows and single mothers, especially, are highly vulnerable to exploitation or abuse.

Violent persecution against Christians

Egyptian Christians have endured waves of violence in recent years. Churches have been bombed during Easter or Christmas services; buses carrying pilgrims to monasteries have been ambushed; homes and businesses torched over unfounded accusations. Militant groups, including Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) affiliates, have declared Christians legitimate targets.

Converts from Islam are at particular risk, often targeted by extremists and isolated from the wider Christian community for their safety.

While the government has increased security in some areas, accountability remains elusive. In many cases, perpetrators walk free. “Reconciliation sessions” are sometimes convened in lieu of legal action, where Christian victims are pressured to forgive, often without justice being served. These sessions tend to favour social stability over genuine accountability.

How Barnabas Aid is supporting Christians in Egypt

Tradition tells us that Mark the Evangelist first brought the Gospel to Egypt in the first century. Despite hardship, Egyptian Christians continue to live boldly for Christ. Their faith has not only survived centuries of adversity but continues to inspire believers around the world.

Barnabas Aid is committed to standing with the Church in Egypt through practical help and prayerful solidarity. Our support has included:

• Providing food and medical aid to impoverished Christian families, especially in Upper Egypt.
• Empowering vulnerable women, including widows and single mothers, through vocational training.

• Equipping churches to show Christ’s love in action by reaching out to refugee communities.

Through your faithful prayers and generous giving, you uphold weary hands, strengthen faltering steps, and share in the joy of a Gospel that cannot be silenced. Our brothers and sisters are making Christ’s love known, and your partnership helps it shine even brighter.