Egypt: Cleric Speaks Up for Churches | 3rd Nov 09

Sheikh Khaled al-Gindi, a senior Islamic preacher in Egypt, has called on his government to allow Christians to build churches. Speaking in July he said, “As we demand that the West allows us to build mosques, we have to do the same here (in Egypt) with churches.” He added that “all citizens have the right to practice their religious rights”. Christians in Egypt struggle with an insufficient number of church buildings because it is very difficult to get permission to build new ones.

Gindi went on to say that the tension between Muslims and Coptic Christians in Egypt does not mean there is a sectarian strife but rather communication problems… “These problems have always existed, but did not come to the surface before. Extremists who incite hatred are more dangerous to Muslims than they are to Copts,” Gindi said, adding extremists were behind the clashes that have erupted over the years between Muslims and Copts. “Extremists have caused the Muslim mind to be afflicted with psychological disorders. Therapy is what Muslims need now. Islam has become torn between the ignorance of its followers and the helplessness of its scholars,” Gindi – who is regarded as a moderate – said.

Source: Prayer Focus Update

BIBLE STUDY: Joshua 18:1

PRAISE: God that Sheikh al-Gindi has defended Christian rights. Pray for more voices like his, and that President Mubarak, who must personally give permission for any new church, will take notice.