Newsfeed
US and Iran escalation worries Christians in the Middle East
Publication Date: 1/10/2020
Source: Asia News
The plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran fueled the tension of the last few days. All 176 people on board died. Canada speaks of murder, for the Iranian government it's an accident. The US House votes to limit Trump's war powers. For the White House it is a "ridiculous resolution". AsiaNews speaks to Catholic leaders in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt.
Egyptian priest: Christians and Muslims united against the virus
Publication Date: 4/10/2020
Source: Asia News
For Fr Rafic, the emergency triggered by the pandemic "is bringing Christians and Muslims closer”. Family members call each other; young people bring medicines and help to their elders. The government has taken steps to counter the pandemic. Churches (and mosques) have been closed. The Internet and social media are the venue for maintaining social ties and following religious services.
The coronavirus outbreak in Egypt "is bringing Christians and Muslims closer together,” more "united against this virus. Neighbours are looking out for each other; family members are getting in touch to see how others are doing,” said Fr Rafic Greiche, head of the media committee of the Council of Churches of Egypt.
Victor Bet-Tamraz reflects on 10-year sentence that forced him out of Iran
Publication Date: 25/9/2020
Source: Article 18
Iranian-Assyrian pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz has spoken exclusively to Article18 about how his years of service to the Church in Iran ultimately led to a 10-year prison sentence that forced him out of the country.
'Jihad of the Womb': Report Exposes Systemic Abduction of Christian Girls in Egypt
Author: Steve Warren
Publication Date: 16/9/2020
Source: CBN News
Christian watchdog group has shined the spotlight on the widespread practice of abduction and trafficking of Coptic Christian women and girls in Egypt and how they are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Coptic Solidarity was established in 2010 and is dedicated to achieving equal citizenship rights for the Copts in Egypt. They released the report "Jihad of the Womb: Trafficking of Coptic Women & Girls in Egypt" last Thursday.
The report argues, "The capture and disappearance of Coptic women and minor girls is a bane of the Coptic community in Egypt, yet little has been done to address this scourge by the Egyptian or foreign governments, NGOs, or international bodies."
Protecting Religious Freedom in the Middle East
Author: Abigail R. Esman
Publication Date: 29/9/2020
Source: The Algemeiner
It started with his father.
As fighting and instability ravaged Iraqi villages and cities, a local Shiite militia offered a means for him to save his family and himself: convert from Christianity to Islam, and gain not only protection but the promise of eternity in heaven. Or, they said, he could remain a Christian, and put his life and his children’s at risk.
The father converted.
Candidacy of Coptic Orthodox priest in the elections reopens the debate on the participation of the clergy in politics
Publication Date: 1/10/2020
Source: Agenzia Fides
The candidacy of Coptic Orthodox priest Paula Fouad (photo) in the next parliamentary elections reopens the debate on the direct involvement of the clergy in politics. The priest, parish priest of St George church in al Matarya, should run for the list called "Coalition of Independents", in the electoral constituency which also includes Cairo.
In the past, several priests and bishops were part of political formations in Egypt, as in the Coptic Orthodox Church only monks are obliged to avoid any direct personal involvement in the field of politics. Now, in the absence of clear rules, the announced candidacy of priest Paula Fouad becomes a starting point for controversy between observers and commentators who hold different opinions about the appropriateness of his choice.
Christians are most under threat minorities in the Middle East
Author: Samuel Smith
Publication Date: 25/9/2020
Source: The Christian Post
Democrat Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen was among a handful of lawmakers who spoke out against Christian persecution on Wednesday night, saying that Christian communities are the most under threat minorities in the Middle East.
COVID-19 pandemic increasing discrimination against Egypt’s Christians
Publication Date: 18/9/2020
Source: Crux Now
Persecution is the reality of life in Egypt for Christians, and it is gotten worse over the past decade, according to a leading human rights group. Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s 100 million people, making the country home to the largest Christian population in the Arab world. The vast majority of Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, the largest Church in the Oriental Orthodox communion – However there are about 350,000 Eastern Orthodox Christians, 300,000 Protestants, and just under 200,000 Catholics. Christians suffer discrimination from the Muslim majority, and often find it hard to find jobs, get a good education, and participate in the social life of the country.
Christianity Flourishes in Islamic Iran in the Midst of a Spiritual Revolution
Author: Alex Best
Publication Date: 24/9/2020
Source: Christianity Daily
Since the Iranian revolution of 1979, Iran has been ruled through a hardline Islamic Regime. As a result, Christianity was outlawed and being part of a church became illegal as missionaries were thrown out of the country and Bibles in the Farsi and Persian languages were banned. However, while Christians are still severely persecuted and imprisoned, a new study has found that the religion has actually been growing exponentially right under the government's nose.
Annual service held at Turkey's Akdamar Church with small mass due to virus
Publication Date: 6/9/2020
Source: Daily Sabah
The annual religious service that brings together the faithful from around the world at the church on Akdamar Island in Turkey’s eastern province of Van was held Sunday with a small mass of 25 people this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The mass held at the Armenian church was attended mostly by visitors from Istanbul, where the majority of Turkey’s Armenian population lives. Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Sahak Maşalyan, High Priest Tatul Anuşyan, Father Şirvan Mürzyan and Father Krikor Damatyan were present at the service.
