General Background:
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a Middle Eastern country, covering a huge, almost ‘square-shaped’, chunk of Africa’s northeast corner.
Situated on the Mediterranean Sea it borders Libya to the West, Sudan to the South and the Red Sea, Gaza Strip and Israel to the East. It acts as a land bridge to Asia and also has control of the Suez Canal – which is the shortest sea link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, a very important waterway from Europe to Africa and Asia.
The river Nile, the second longest river in the world, dissects the country into two unequal, extremely arid desert regions, known locally as the ‘Red Lands’. In contrast, the fertile land along the Nile itself is arable agricultural land and is known as the ‘Black Lands’.
Egypt is a country were the ancient meets the modern – where the business of a contemporary city can happen against the backdrop of historic artefacts, in an ancient biblical land. It’s a place where pyramids intermingle with high-rise apartment blocks and where the ancient river Nile flows quietly through the bustling city of Cairo.
It is the second most populous country in Africa, with a rapidly growing population of more than 80 million people and covers an area of 1 million sq. Km making it approximately 14 times larger than Ireland.
95% of Egyptians live on less than 5% of Egypt’s land – along the fertile flood plains of the Nile – making this one of the world’s most densely populated areas. The scale of migration to Cairo and Alexandria has been enormous, resulting in a significant degree of urban overcrowding. By 2020 the population is estimated to be over 100 million.
A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and put pressure on society.
Unfortunately, Egypt remains quite volatile, despite a significant police and army presence on the streets of the main cities. Islamic groups continue to be a threaten security, targeting tourists and resort areas, often resulting in many tourist and local deaths.
Religions:
Religion in Egypt permeates many aspects of social life and is endorsed by law. Egypt is predominantly Islamic, with Muslims composing 90% of the population – the majority are Sunnis. Most of the remaining 10% are Christians, many of who belong to the native Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church.
The history of Christianity in Egypt dates back to the very beginnings of Christianity itself – traditionally beginning with the visit of the Holy Family to Egypt, and historically with the Apostle Saint Mark in the early part of the first century AD. He is considered to be the founder of the church in Egypt was martyred in Alexandria around the time that Nero ruled Rome.
In AD 389 Christianity was proclaimed the official religion of the state (during the Roman rule), and this was seen as the definitive end to the ancient Egyptian religion.
In AD 640, Egypt came under Arab rule, which brought Islam to the area. Those who remained Christians were known as Copt and over the course of several centuries looked to preserve their language, customs and religious art. The Coptic Church, which is the original Christian church in Egypt (and quite similar to the Orthodox Church) is the largest. There are also many other denominations and newer expressions of faith present, primarily serving the large expatriate communities in Cairo, Alexandria and the other large cities.
Mission in Egypt: Challenges and Opportunities:
Modern day Egypt is still an Islamic state with many mosques and minarets featuring in all the towns and cities. There are however, still a significant percentage of Christians, estimated between 6-11 million, and although they are free to worship, it is forbidden for a Muslim to become a Christian and many who have done so, have had to leave the country.
CMS Ireland’s links are with the Anglican Diocese of Egypt (which includes most of North Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea) and works most closely with Refuge Egypt (supporting mainly Sudanese refugees) in Cairo.
As a result of the instability that has dogged other countries in the region Egypt has been faced with a huge influx of refugees in recent years – it is estimated that there are more than 85,000 currently living in the country.
This provides the local Church with significant challenges – as it looks to respond to the needs of these people with love and compassion – but also with many opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ in action.
The work of Refuge Egypt is a practical response to this situation.
One of the biggest challenges that Refuge Egypt has faced in recent times is the growing gang culture in Cairo. Sudanese refugee boys (and some girls) started forming solid, well organized gangs which shape identity and are significantly influenced by rap culture.
Initially, these gangs were formed as protection groups, but recently they’ve become extremely violent, not only against rival gang members, but also to the general public. Members are often engaged in drug culture, alcohol abuse, robberies, inter-gang feuds and revenge fights with the two major groups capable of organizing 200- 560 affiliates.
Finding ways of living out the radical, transforming message of Jesus against a backdrop of poverty, overcrowding and fear – often among people who have lost everything, as they have fled their homes – is the challenge that faces the Church in Egypt today.
CMS Ireland is currently exploring the possibility of engaging with other programmes in the region.
