How are evangelical Christians in Egypt coping with persecution?

Christians find strength and encouragement during a time of worship and teaching at Kasr El Dobara Church, the largest evangelical church in Egypt. Leading the Way

The world's eyes have been on the Catholic and Coptic Orthodox churches in Egypt following the Pope and his visit over the weekend.

But Egypt also has thousands of evangelical Christians, continuing to follow their faith in God in spite of growing persecution by Islamist extremists.

Following the Palm Sunday attacks on two Coptic churches, which claimed 45 lives, evangelist and author Dr Michael Youssef, founder and president of the Christian charity Leading The Way, also visited Egypt, the country of his birth, in an attempt to aid the search for peace.

He joined Nick Ayers, campaign manager for US Vice President Mike Pence, for strategic talks with Egypt's key parliamentary leaders to discuss how the US and Egypt can work together to eradicate terrorism.

Youssef said the meetings were 'very effective'.

He said: 'We strongly believe that God has appointed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for such a time as this, to lead this nation and influence the world to stamp out terrorism.'

Youssef, who in his book The Barbarians Are Here calls on Christians to take a stand for the Gospel against radical extremism, also preached to a congregation of thousands in Cairo of 'God's faithfulness and sovereignty in the face of great evil and injustice'. His book, published by Barnes and Noble, was commended by Southern Baptist seminary president Dr Albert Mohler among others.

Egypt is number 21 on the Open Doors World Watch List of countries where Christian persecution is most severe.

Dr Michael Youssef, Joshua Youssef, and Nick Ayers meet with Egyptian leaders to discuss strategies for confronting the threat of radical Islam. Leading the Way
News
Christian organisations caught up in Israeli aid agency ban
Christian organisations caught up in Israeli aid agency ban

Israel is preventing 37 aid groups from operating in Gaza unless they comply with controversial guidelines that critics say would put Palestinian staff at risk.

Netanyahu pledges support for persecuted Christians
Netanyahu pledges support for persecuted Christians

In an apparent attempt to bolster weakening US public support for Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he will join American efforts to protect persecuted Christians around the world.

9 prayers for 2026: Stepping into the New Year trusting God
9 prayers for 2026: Stepping into the New Year trusting God

A new year always brings a mixture of emotions. Some of us step into 2026 with excitement, others with uncertainty, grief or quiet weariness. Many carry hopes for change, healing, or fresh beginnings.

Mullally warns of the dangers of assisted suicide
Mullally warns of the dangers of assisted suicide

A future archbishop and two past prime ministers all agree assisted suicide is dangerous.