“Freedom of Belief and Citizenship” Bulletin.. October 2025 Review

The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms launches its bulletin on “Freedom of Belief and Citizenship” to present the concerns and problems of minorities, to promote a culture of tolerance, reject violence and hate speech, and activate the values of citizenship. In this bulletin, the Commission highlights the most significant developments and violations concerning freedom of belief and citizenship during October 2025.

Among the most important international instruments addressing the protection of minorities is the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, adopted in 1992. It is considered the only international instrument devoted exclusively to minority rights. The Declaration was primarily based on Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which recognizes the legal existence of minorities and states:
“In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, or to use their own language.”

The Declaration outlines several rights, foremost among them: the right to protection of existence and promotion of identity (Art. 1/1); the right to enjoy one’s own culture, profess and practice one’s religion, and use one’s language, privately and publicly (Art. 2/1); the right to participate in various aspects of life (Art. 2/2); the right to effective participation in decisions affecting the minority (Art. 2/3); the right to establish minority associations (Art. 2/4); the right to exercise other human rights and fundamental freedoms (Arts. 4/1, 8/2); and the right to integration into society (Art. 4/4).

The Declaration also emphasizes obligations of minorities, including: respect for the principle of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and political independence of States (Art. 8/4); refraining from acts violating national laws and international standards (Art. 4/2); and abstaining from activities contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations (Art. 8/4).

It further sets obligations for States with minorities, including: fulfilling commitments under international treaties prohibiting discrimination and guaranteeing equality (Art. 8/1); adopting legislation to protect minority rights, enabling them to express their characteristics and traditions (Arts. 2/1, 4/2); ensuring participation in development and economic progress (Art. 4/5); and considering legitimate minority interests within international cooperation programs.

Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination prohibits hate speech, stating that States Parties condemn propaganda and organizations based on ideas of racial superiority or hatred. Article 7 of the same Convention obliges States to take effective measures, particularly in education, culture, and information, to combat racial prejudice and promote understanding and tolerance, as well as to disseminate the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Below are the most significant developments and violations concerning Freedom of Belief and Citizenship during October 2025.

Freedom of Belief and Citizenship News

On 1 October 2025, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, affirmed that the Church is one of the nation’s fundamental pillars, with two central responsibilities: preparing good citizens to serve society and preparing individuals for the Kingdom of Heaven.

He stated: “Building churches is not merely a spiritual act, but also a service to the homeland. The Church is the oldest popular institution, historically recognized for love and giving.”

The Pope delivered his remarks during the consecration prayers of the Cathedral of Saint Mark the Apostle in the Rizqa area affiliated with Al-Muharraq Monastery in Assiut Governorate, attended by several metropolitans, bishops, priests, deacons, public figures, and executive leaders.

In his sermon, he expressed gratitude for the historic occasion, affirming that church consecrations strengthen faith and reflect the authenticity and historical continuity of the Coptic Church. He called for the new cathedral to serve as a beacon of prayer, communion, and love.

Al-Muharraq Monastery is among the oldest monasteries in Egypt and worldwide, historically linked to the Holy Family’s stay in Egypt, granting it unique spiritual significance. The construction of the new cathedral within the monastery reflects the continued mission of the Coptic Church as a living bridge between past and present.

On 2 October 2025, the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb, marked the International Day of Non-Violence by reaffirming its firm rejection of violence in all forms, emphasizing the urgent need to spread dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

In its statement, the Council stressed that Islam’s message is one of mercy and peace, citing the Qur’anic verse: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Al-Anbiya: 107). It affirmed that all heavenly religions call for love, tolerance, and coexistence, not violence or conflict.

The Council continues its efforts to combat violence, extremism, hatred, intolerance, and Islamophobia, promoting peace and dialogue through initiatives such as the Youth Peacemakers Forum and the Student Dialogues for Human Fraternity Program.

The Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb and the late Pope Francis, calls for rejecting violence and hatred and promoting dialogue and coexistence as the only path to safeguarding human dignity and building a secure future for humanity.

On 3 October 2025, Rev. Dr. André Zaki, Head of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, inaugurated the launch ceremony of the Arab Evangelical Cultural Center in New Cairo, founded by Dr. Maher Samuel, in the presence of prominent Evangelical leaders and public figures.

In his speech, he affirmed that “the Center represents a qualitative leap in the field of dialogue and culture, and embodies the Church’s belief in its role as an active partner in addressing societal challenges and consolidating the values of love and citizenship, contributing to the preparation of young leaders capable of serving their community and building shared spaces that promote coexistence.”

He added: “This project is a space where talents are nurtured, leaders are prepared, and understanding of our Christian discourse is deepened. I thank God for the vision and creativity planted in the human mind, for diversity and richness, and for this profound vision. I also thank everyone who made this project possible through effort, time, resources, and prayer. We pray that God will make this Center a home for genuine dialogue, a beacon of purposeful thought, and a field for sincere service—salt and light, and a testimony to living love.”

For his part, Dr. Maher Samuel, founder of the Center, expressed gratitude, stating: “Today we celebrate the realization of a dream that lasted twelve years, fulfilled through collective love and support and God’s call to service. I extend sincere thanks to Rev. Dr. André Zaki for his strong support since the beginning. We believe our mission requires learning the language of the age. This project is not merely a building or an activity, but a vision to equip servants and leaders who will grow in experience and success over time. God’s call is fundamental in our lives; it guides our steps and gives this project its meaning and value.”

On 4 October 2025, the Christian–Islamic Center for Understanding and Partnership organized a seminar entitled “Ethics of Dialogue: From Thought to Reality,” in cooperation with the Arab Evangelical Cultural Center and Al-Azhar.

Bishop Dr. Sami Fawzy opened the seminar, which reflects the Church’s commitment to promoting a culture of dialogue and mutual understanding. He emphasized that the Episcopal Church maintains a strong partnership with Al-Azhar based on mutual respect and joint efforts to promote peace, coexistence, and acceptance of others within society.

The seminar addressed challenges hindering Christian–Islamic dialogue, the philosophy and meaning of dialogue from Christian and Islamic perspectives, dialogue and community building, and dialogue in shaping national identity.

The seminar sought to present a deeper understanding of comprehensive dialogue and its role in restoring trust and strengthening national and social cohesion. Through both Islamic and Christian perspectives, it moved beyond discussing coexistence toward rediscovering ways to walk together in facing shared challenges and transforming them into spaces for dialogue that foster mercy and constructive humanitarian action.

On 5 October 2025, Bishop Emmanuel Ayyad, Bishop of the Eparchy of Thebes (Luxor) for Coptic Catholics, participated in the activities of the Dandara Economic Forum organized by the Dandara Cultural Center, accompanied by Fr. Marco Nagi.

The visit reflected deep national belonging and strengthened bridges of communication and cooperation between the Church and community institutions in support of sustainable development efforts, particularly in Upper Egypt.

On 8 October 2025, Prof. Dr. Nazeer Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt and Secretary-General of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, received journalist Dr. Osama El-Saeed, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Akhbar newspaper, to discuss cooperation in supporting religious and intellectual issues and enhancing societal awareness.

The Mufti praised the professional and national role of Al-Akhbar in addressing religious issues responsibly and combating extremist thought. He emphasized that media plays a central role in disseminating authentic religious understanding and shaping enlightened public awareness, serving as a key partner to religious institutions in confronting misinformation.

He addressed the renewal of religious discourse, explaining that renewal does not mean dismantling heritage, but rather understanding it deeply and presenting it in ways suited to contemporary realities. He noted that this approach guides Dar al-Ifta’s fatwas and activities.

He further stressed Dar al-Ifta’s use of modern technology to communicate accurate religious guidance and its commitment to comprehensive training for muftis, including social and human sciences to enhance understanding of contemporary contexts.

Dr. Osama El-Saeed expressed appreciation for Dar al-Ifta’s intellectual efforts in renewing religious discourse and affirmed that national media supports religious institutions in promoting awareness and combating extremism, describing such cooperation as a national necessity.

On 9 October 2025, Pope Tawadros II attended at the Greek Club at the Greek Consulate in Alexandria a celebration organized by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria marking the Year of Saint Athanasius the Great, the 20th Coptic Patriarch.

The Patriarchate had designated 2025 as a year honoring Saint Athanasius the Apostolic, coinciding with the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.

Pope Tawadros was welcomed by Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and bishops of the Greek Church in Alexandria. The ceremony included the national anthems of Egypt and Greece, hymns by Greek deacons, Coptic hymns by the David Choir, and a documentary on the history of the Greek Orthodox Church in Alexandria.

In his speech, Pope Tawadros praised Saint Athanasius’s defense of the faith at the Council of Nicaea and congratulated Patriarch Theodore II on twenty years of pastoral service in Alexandria, presenting him with a commemorative model of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbassia. Patriarch Theodore II concluded by expressing his appreciation and awarding Pope Tawadros the highest decoration of the Greek Orthodox Church.

The celebration was attended by bishops supervising pastoral sectors in Alexandria, including Bishop Pavly (Montaza Sector) and Bishop Hermina (East Sector), along with Patriarchal Vicar Fr. Abraam Emil and Fr. Samuel Milad.

On October 12, 2025, Dr. Hisham Rabie, Secretary of Fatwa at the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta, delivered a lecture entitled: “Digital Jihad: The New Terrorism Trap for Destroying Homelands,” as part of the activities of the ninth training program, “Modern Approaches and Techniques for Detecting and Combating Crime,” which is held by the Center in cooperation with Dar al-Ifta.

The lecture addressed the most prominent modern methods employed by terrorist groups to recruit youth through cyberspace, noting that the so-called “digital jihad” has become one of the most dangerous tools of extremism in the modern era, as it is exploited to falsify awareness and recruit minds under misleading slogans cloaked in the mantle of religion.

Dr. Hisham Rabie explained that the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta exerts significant efforts in monitoring and confronting extremist thought through electronic platforms, by means of sound scholarly and jurisprudential responses, spreading correct religious awareness, and refuting the misconceptions promoted by extremists in the name of religion. He added that the institution is working to develop its digital tools to positively engage with youth and achieve an influential presence in cyberspace.

His Eminence affirmed that jihad in Islam has legal controls and noble objectives related to protecting human beings and building homelands, and is not, as portrayed by extremist groups, a tool for killing or chaos. He stressed the importance of enhancing digital awareness among youth and immunizing them against destructive claims that target their minds through social media.

At the conclusion of the lecture, His Eminence Dr. Hisham Rabie called for the concerted efforts of religious, media, and educational institutions in confronting the dangers of “digital jihad,” affirming that awareness and knowledge are the first line of defense in protecting homelands from extremism and terrorism.

On October 13, 2025, His Eminence the Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, received Ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, the new Swedish Ambassador to Egypt.

His Eminence the Grand Imam affirmed that the crimes of burning the Holy Qur’an that took place in Sweden and some countries during the past years provoked the feelings of two billion Muslims around the world, given the sanctity the Holy Qur’an holds for Muslims. He stressed the necessity of taking firm measures to prevent the recurrence of such crimes, which cannot be justified under the slogan of “freedom of expression,” emphasizing that there is no freedom in insulting religious sanctities.

His Eminence asked, in denunciation: What is the relationship between freedom of opinion and insulting religions and sacred books?! He pointed out that the continuation of such acts threatens human values and works to spread hatred in societies, affirming that governments must prevent these violations and enact deterrent laws against them, as this is a major responsibility that must be upheld.

For his part, the Swedish Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Grand Imam in promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence, affirming that the Swedish people respect all religions and reject any anti-Islam acts, and that Muslims constitute approximately 10% of Sweden’s population and are an integral part of Swedish society. He expressed his hope that such incidents will not be repeated in the future.

On October 16, 2025, Bishop Claudio Lurati, Bishop of the Latin Church in Egypt, received a delegation from the “New Way” community, accompanied by Father Etienne, the community’s new regional leader.

The meeting included an exchange of spiritual reflections and sharing regarding the community’s activities and its experiences during the past year, which were marked by their depth of faith and their mission of living the spirit of the Gospel in the midst of the world.

The delegation presented His Excellency the Bishop with the new issue of the community’s magazine, which serves as a tool for formation and spiritual upbringing for members of “New Way” throughout the world. For his part, the Bishop expressed his happiness at the meeting, commending the spiritual service carried out by the community and its living witness to Christ, calling upon its members to continue walking in a spirit of unity and love in order to build the Church and serve society.

On October 18, 2025, Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy, Archbishop of the Alexandria Province of the Episcopal Church, and Rev. Yeshua Bekhit, Secretary-General of the Council of Churches of Egypt, participated in the centennial celebration of the consecration of the Church of the Virgin Mary in Zeitoun, “the Church of the Apparition,” presided over by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.

The Archbishop expressed his gratitude to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and to all the servants of the Coptic Orthodox Church for this invitation and the warm reception, affirming that this celebration is not merely a historical commemoration, but a living testimony to God’s work in His Church over the course of a century, and a call to continue the spiritual and humanitarian mission that serves the homeland and proclaims Christ’s love to all.

On October 19, 2025, Major General Dr. Khaled Mubarak, Governor of South Sinai, extended his sincere heartfelt congratulations to His Grace Bishop Simeon Papadopoulos on the occasion of his enthronement as Metropolitan and Archbishop of Sinai for the Greek Orthodox.

The Governor of South Sinai expressed his sincere wishes for his continued success in carrying out his lofty spiritual mission, welcoming him to the land of peace and manifestation.

On October 20, 2025, Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Republic and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, received Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Minister of Culture, at the headquarters of the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta, where both sides witnessed the signing of a joint cooperation protocol between the two institutions, within the framework of the state’s vision to build the Egyptian individual and promote a system of awareness and sound moderate thought.

This cooperation comes in light of the efforts of Dar al-Ifta and the Ministry of Culture to spread the values of moderation and balance and to confront extremist thought through cultural and advocacy initiatives and projects that seek to consolidate the comprehensive Egyptian national identity and affirm the role of culture and religion in serving societal issues. The protocol also aims to build bridges of sustainable institutional cooperation between religious and cultural institutions.

The protocol includes cooperation in the fields of education and training, holding joint events, and producing media and awareness materials that address various segments of society in language close to youth, in addition to organizing seminars, exhibitions, and intellectual activities that contribute to raising the awareness of new generations and deepening their attachment to authentic Egyptian identity.

During the meeting, His Eminence the Grand Mufti affirmed that culture and correct religious thought are two fundamental pillars in building homelands and safeguarding minds from deviation, noting that the protocol crowns a long-standing path of cooperation between Dar al-Ifta and the Ministry of Culture in the fields of awareness and education. He added that confronting contemporary intellectual and moral challenges requires unifying the efforts of the state’s intellectual, cultural, and religious institutions, stressing that Dar al-Ifta believes in the role of culture and the arts as an effective tool in spreading the tolerant values of Islam and presenting a correct image of religion away from rigidity and isolation.

The Grand Mufti explained that the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta deals with culture as a partner in the mission of building the individual, and that this cooperation translates the institution’s message of openness to civil and cultural institutions to spread genuine awareness, affirming that sound moderate thought is the only way to protect minds from extremism and isolation.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno affirmed that this cooperation represents a model of what national institutions can achieve when their visions integrate to serve the Egyptian individual, praising the moderate role played by Dar al-Ifta in consolidating a conscious religious discourse connected to real-life issues. He pointed out that the Ministry of Culture always seeks to employ its creative tools in the service of lofty religious and humanitarian values, and that this cooperation will contribute to producing many new projects that keep pace with society’s needs and address both its conscience and its mind at the same time.

The Minister of Culture also expressed his aspiration that this protocol be a launching point for qualitative initiatives that combine culture, religion, and the arts in serving issues of awareness and building the Egyptian character, affirming that the conscious individual is the fundamental pillar for moving toward a genuine civilizational renaissance.

On October 21, 2025, the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, in cooperation with the Imam al-Ash‘ari Center for Creedal and Intellectual Studies, held a scholarly seminar entitled: “Prospects for Renewing Islamic Creedal Thought in Confronting the Challenges of the Era,” under the directives of the Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

This was attended by the Head of the Imam al-Ash‘ari Center, His Eminence Dr. Hassan al-Saghir, Head of the Academy, and Dr. Reda al-Dekiki, Assistant Professor of Creed and Philosophy at the Faculty of Usul al-Din in Tanta.

Dr. Hassan al-Shafei affirmed that the single nation, the unifying creed, and the unified ranks are among the blessings of Islamic creed, explaining that monotheism is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment, but a unification of the heart, the spirit, the ranks, and the nation. He stressed that declaring others unbelievers is the beginning of deeming blood lawful, and that it is not based on a sound methodology but on extremism and rigidity from which Islam is innocent, clarifying that the call to moderation is the true call for uniting the ranks of the nation.

His Eminence explained that the moderation called for by the great imams such as al-Ash‘ari and al-Maturidi saved the nation in the past and will save it today and in the future, stressing that renewal in religion does not occur in creeds and acts of worship, but in methods of reasoning, through reviving Islamic heritage and integrating it with modern sciences, while working to establish new sciences that suit the challenges of the era. He pointed out that Al-Azhar carries out its mission in uniting the word of Muslims and consolidating their ranks, praising the efforts of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in uniting the Islamic ranks through international conferences, foremost among them the “Islamic–Islamic Dialogue” Conference, whose first edition was hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.

For his part, Dr. Hassan al-Saghir said that today we are most in need of gathering upon a common word, because we are people of one qibla, affirming the necessity of stopping disputes and divisions in order to reunite the ranks, develop thought, and keep pace with the challenges of the era. He added that Islamic creed does not tolerate fragmentation or dispute, as it is based on the principle of faith in God and the unity of the nation under the banner of Islam. He clarified that true renewal is not in constants or creeds, but in the thought and manner in which religion is presented to people in a way that corresponds to their reality and cognitive development, noting that Al-Azhar plays a pioneering role in preparing imams and preachers who carry this renewed moderate thought, capable of engaging youth in a contemporary language that unites and does not divide, and that confronts extremist thought with proof, knowledge, and sound methodology.

In the same context, Dr. Reda al-Dekiki explained that Islamic creed is the basis of concord among Muslims, pointing out that kalam theology emerged to protect creed from the doubts that faced the nation throughout its long history. He stated that Al-Azhar’s call for unity and concord stems from an authentic creedal concept, far from declaring others unbelievers and exclusion. He added that Islamic creed cannot be a cause of division or conflict, but rather of achieving fraternal faith, citing the Charter of Medina, which brought together different groups upon unity of purpose and destiny. He called for renewing creedal discourse in a way that brings Islamic schools of thought closer together, and for preparing joint educational curricula built upon commonalities among the schools, in order to achieve unity of the Islamic ranks.

This seminar comes within the framework of the ongoing efforts exerted by Al-Azhar to consolidate its moderate methodology in addressing issues of creed and thought, and to highlight the ability of the Azhari approach to combine authenticity and renewal, and to keep pace with the intellectual and cultural transformations witnessed by the contemporary world.

On October 22, 2025, the Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, received at the Sheikhdom of Al-Azhar a delegation of youth from the World Council of Churches, in a meeting aimed at learning about Al-Azhar’s efforts in spreading the values of peace and interfaith dialogue. His Eminence delivered a lecture addressing the moderation of Islam and the importance of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

The Grand Imam affirmed that all religions share one message, which is to spread love and peace among humanity, noting that Al-Azhar constantly seeks to consolidate global peace through cooperation with religious leaders and institutions around the world, such as the Vatican, the World Council of Churches, and the Middle East Council of Churches.

The Sheikh of Al-Azhar added: “We took the initiative to extend bridges of cooperation with our partners around the world in order to consolidate human fraternity, and these efforts were crowned by the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with His Holiness Pope Francis, which was adopted by the United Nations, designating February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity.”

The Grand Imam explained that Al-Azhar’s mission domestically is no less important than its global role, pointing out that the establishment of the “Egyptian Family House” in cooperation with the Egyptian churches was a pioneering experience in strengthening the spirit of cooperation and brotherhood among the citizens of one homeland. He affirmed that this entity contributed to preserving the unity of the national fabric and consolidating the values of true citizenship, away from the term “minorities.”

His Eminence also noted that in 2017 Al-Azhar held the Al-Azhar International Conference on Freedom and Citizenship to affirm the principle of equality among all citizens.

Addressing the youth of the World Council of Churches, the Grand Imam said that today’s youth are required to be aware that religions have one source and that all prophets are brothers, and that peace is the primary objective of the revelation of the heavenly messages, stressing that claims that religions are the cause of wars are “false allegations.”

He explained that the major wars in modern history, such as the two World Wars, were not caused by religion, but by nationalism, racism, and material interests, calling on youth to be messengers of peace in confronting futile wars that claim the lives of the innocent.

His Eminence the Grand Imam affirmed that contemporary material civilization suffers from an absence of moral values, and that the dominance of economic interests and the desire to sell weapons are what hinder the spread of peace. He noted that religious institutions around the world exert genuine efforts to consolidate the values of human fraternity, but that the matter requires engagement from political decision-makers to establish practical mechanisms for their implementation.

For their part, members of the youth delegation of the World Council of Churches expressed their great appreciation for Al-Azhar and for the role of the Grand Imam in spreading the values of tolerance and interreligious coexistence, noting that Al-Azhar is a global intellectual beacon, and that they are keen to continue cooperation with Al-Azhar in serving humanity and spreading peace.

On October 22, 2025, the village of Nazlet Jalf, affiliated with the Beni Mazar district in Minya, witnessed attacks on the homes of Copts in the village, following accusations that a Coptic young man was involved in a relationship with a Muslim girl.

The crisis began when some individuals with hardline tendencies gathered and threw stones at houses owned by Coptic families, resulting in the smashing of a number of windows and doors and damage to property. Some also set fire to lands and crops owned by Coptic families. Eyewitnesses reported that the attacks were not limited to the house of the accused Christian young man, but extended to other homes unrelated to the incident.

A large number of residents of Nazlet Jalf expressed their strong condemnation of what happened, affirming the necessity of adhering to the law to resolve disputes and refraining from being drawn behind rumors and individual actions that bring calamities upon الجميع. The Copts of the village also stressed the importance of applying justice and holding accountable all those involved in these attacks, in addition to subjecting the Christian young man to legal investigation if any violation is proven against him. They unanimously affirmed that the responsibility for enforcing the law and achieving justice lies exclusively with the state and its institutions, not with individuals or groups.

On October 25, 2025, the writer and thinker Dr. Khaled منتصر commented on the unfortunate events witnessed in the village of Nazlet Jalf, affiliated with the Beni Mazar district in Minya Governorate, which erupted following a consensual relationship between a Christian young man and a Muslim girl, leading to incitement and the gathering of some residents, and the smashing of windows of homes belonging to Christians unrelated to the young man, in addition to the burning of agricultural huts, before the crisis ended with the holding of a customary reconciliation session.

In an extended commentary published under the title “A Short Story… A Tragic Farce,” Montasser presented a symbolic scene satirizing the reality of the Egyptian village where justice is absent and mob rule prevails. He stated that the simple villager is not provoked when he sleeps on a cold floor, or when he sees his children without education or medical care, or when he lives in extreme poverty, but suddenly rises in defense of “dignity and honor” when he is told that “George sent a letter to Samiha” or that “Ishaq is chanting hymns in his home.”

Montasser considered that what occurred in Minya reflects a social and intellectual tragedy that recurs in the Egyptian countryside, where awareness is replaced by incitement and reason by blind anger, stressing that the solution lies not in customary sessions but in the application of the law and the spread of education and enlightenment.

On October 26, 2025, the Egyptian Social Democratic Party expressed its strong condemnation and deep dissatisfaction with the unfortunate sectarian events witnessed in the village of Jalf, affiliated with the Beni Mazar district in Minya Governorate, which erupted following reports of a personal incident between a Coptic young man and a Muslim girl.

The party indicated that security authorities moved quickly by arresting the young man and a limited number of participants in the attacks that targeted the homes and properties of some Coptic families.

The statement added that holding an expanded customary session in the village, attended by hundreds of residents and administered by the village mayor, who is a government employee representing the state, constitutes a grave violation of the law and the Constitution, especially since the session concluded with customary decisions that included forcing the family of the Coptic young man to sell their homes and leave the village and imposing large financial fines, amid gatherings and chants that recalled scenes of forced displacement and collective punishment.

The party affirmed that these practices cannot be justified under any pretext of reconciliation or preventing strife, as they represent a flagrant violation of the rule of law and the principle of equality before it stipulated in Article (53) of the Constitution, and they threaten societal trust and undermine the foundations of civil peace.

The party stressed that the repeated reliance on customary sessions as an alternative to the law has never contributed to containing crises, but rather has entrenched a culture of impunity and encouraged the recurrence of sectarian attacks. It added that this approach does not achieve “calm” as some promote, but deepens the sense of injustice and sows the seeds of new strife beneath the ashes.

The statement noted that Minya Governorate has witnessed the recurrence of similar incidents in recent years, which necessitates conducting a comprehensive social study of the causes of the phenomenon, addressing cultural, educational, religious, and media aspects, in order to reach root solutions that prevent its recurrence.

The party also renewed its call to activate the Independent Commission for Combating Discrimination stipulated in Article (53) of the Constitution, noting that it was among the first parties to submit a draft law for its establishment, which Parliament has not yet discussed despite its importance in addressing the roots of discrimination and sectarian violence.

The party concluded its statement by affirming that national unity is not built on customs or concessions, but on equality, justice, and the protection of the dignity of every citizen without discrimination on the basis of creed or affiliation, calling for the following:

1. Opening an urgent and comprehensive investigation into all that occurred in the village, including the customary session itself.
2. Holding accountable all those involved in the attacks or in the decisions of displacement, regardless of their positions or capacities.
3. Enabling the Coptic family to return safely to their homes and ensuring their protection from any threat or discrimination.
4. Conducting an expanded social study of the causes of the recurrence of such incidents in Minya, with the participation of the state and civil society.
5. Expediting the discussion and enactment of the law establishing the Commission for Combating Discrimination to consolidate the values of equality and citizenship.
6. Halting all forms of customary sessions that diminish the role of the state and weaken confidence in justice.

The party affirmed that national unity is not built on submission to custom or relinquishing rights, but on equality, justice, and the protection of the dignity of every citizen without discrimination on the basis of creed or affiliation.

On October 27, 2025, Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Republic and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, participated in the diamond jubilee celebration marking seventy-five years since the establishment of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services and the launch of its services in Egyptian society. The event was held at the American University in Cairo in response to a gracious invitation from Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt.

The participation of the Grand Mufti in this major event comes within the framework of strengthening cordial relations and the spirit of cooperation between religious and national institutions in serving society, and as an affirmation of the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta’s commitment to supporting the values of citizenship and coexistence, and its appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Coptic Evangelical Organization in serving Egyptian society and consolidating the principles of national unity and joint action.

On October 30, 2025, His Excellency Chorbishop Boulos Sati, Patriarchal Administrator of the Chaldeans and Head of the Community in Egypt, affirmed that the Chaldean Church in Egypt exerts continuous efforts to preserve its spiritual and cultural identity and to strengthen its active presence in Egyptian society, noting that members of the community combine their ancient Eastern roots with their deep national belonging.

Chorbishop Sati explained that the Chaldean presence in Egypt dates back to the mid-eighteenth century, when a number of Chaldeans came to the country for work and trade, marking the beginning of an influential presence during the era of Muhammad Ali Pasha, which witnessed openness and a renaissance that encouraged the settlement of Christian communities.

The number of Chaldeans in Egypt increased notably during the First World War, with the displacement of families from Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, fleeing persecution and the “Sayfo” massacres.

The Patriarchal Administrator of the Chaldeans in Egypt added that this growing presence necessitated the establishment of the first Chaldean church in Egypt in 1890, in the Faggala district of Cairo, bearing the name of Mar Anthony the Great, thanks to a generous donation from Helena Mosuli for the repose of the soul of her husband Antoine Baghdadi. It was officially consecrated in 1893, becoming a pastoral and service center for the community.

The Patriarchal Administrator noted that the Chaldean Church in Egypt faced major administrative challenges in its early years, especially during the era of His Beatitude Patriarch Elia Abbo al-Younan (1879–1894), who encountered objection from the Holy See to the establishment of the Chaldean Patriarchal Vicariate in Egypt and the appointment of Chorbishop Boutros Abed as the first Patriarchal Administrator, since the eparchy was at that time outside the scope of direct patriarchal authority.

His Excellency the Chorbishop stated that members of the community today are the grandchildren of the first Chaldeans who settled in Egypt, but at the same time are fully Egyptian and actively contribute to social and national life. He said:

“Although our numbers today do not exceed approximately one hundred families, the Chaldean spirit is strongly present. Many of our members regularly return to us to receive the church sacraments of baptism, marriage, and funerals, which reflects their deep attachment to their Church and identity.”

He explained that the decline in numbers is due to openness to marriage outside the community and the integration of Chaldeans into society, but stressed that the doors of the Church remain open to all who wish to belong, affirming that Chaldean belonging is spiritual more than ethnic or numerical.

Within the framework of efforts to preserve identity, Chorbishop Sati pointed to the organization of an annual event entitled “Day of the Chaldeans of Egypt,” which has been held for four years and constitutes a space for families and youth to meet and renew pride in Chaldean heritage.

The eparchy today includes a number of churches, most notably:

– The Church of Mar Anthony the Great in Faggala (the oldest historically).
– The Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima in Cairo, the seat of the episcopal see since 1980.
– The Chapel of the Holy Family in the community’s cemetery.
– Two churches in Alexandria serving believers in the North Coast.