Solidarity with the Christians of Egypt

The Institute on Religion and Democracy’s Religious Liberty Program offered this Statement of Solidarity on August 22, 2013 at the demonstration against the Muslim Brotherhood by Christian and Muslim Egyptian Americans:

A Statement of Solidarity with the Christians of Egypt and with all Freedom-desiring Egyptian People

Cataclysmic events are taking place in Egypt. A military led, but civilian inspired, resistance movement is confronting the Muslim Brotherhood domination of the country. Ironically, and despite reports to the contrary, the Egyptian people and the governing military are on the same side in this battle — confronting an enemy of freedom and democracy in Egypt, which sadly, is being championed by the United States government and whitewashed by the mainstream media.

There is much anger in Egypt. The Egyptian people who brought down Mohamed Morsi and his plans to impose Sharia on Egypt through the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated government feel betrayed by an American government that appears to be undermining their efforts. Although the Muslim Brotherhood has spent the last month destroying churches, homes, and businesses, and torturing and killing both its civilian and military opponents, the Obama Administration continues to insist that it be “included in the process” of forming a new Egyptian government. We share their anger and feelings of betrayal as the United States government defends enemies of religious freedom and true, secular democracy rather than allies of America who resist Sharia and Islamist domination.

There is also much sorrow and devastation in Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafists have specifically targeted Christians for their participation in the overthrow of former President Morsi. Current tallies report that as many as 82 churches — many of them beautiful, ancient parts of Egypt’s cultural heritage — Christian institutions, and schools have been burned and destroyed by Morsi supporters in the past few days, along with Christians’ businesses and homes. The Brothers and their supporters have also tortured and killed 43 policemen and dozens of civilians, yet the Western press continues to print the Muslim Brotherhood’s lies.

The Institute on Religion and Democracy urges Americans, particularly church members who worship safely in unburned churches, to show solidarity with the Egyptian people. If you are a Christian, this is your duty, your responsibility to your brothers and sisters in Christ. You will be held accountable by God for how you responded to the persecution of Christians around the world. Here is an opportunity to do something for those in Egypt, and by strengthening freedom and democracy in Egypt, to discourage Islamists in other regions, as well:

• Share information about the persecution of Christians, the burning of churches, the destruction of homes and businesses of Copts and others considered “anti-Morsi,” and help people understand that this is not random violence, but the deliberate targeting of Christians by the Muslim Brotherhood.
• Counter arguments that the Muslim Brotherhood members and supporters are the “victims” of the Egyptian military that, in the words of the Obama Administration, should act with “restraint.” The best way to do this is with the words of Egyptians themselves who are shocked that the Muslim Brotherhood, a radical Islamist terrorist organization, is being perceived as the victim.
• Find out the position held by your U.S. Representative and your Senators on this issue, and tell that you expect them to stand for the Christians who are being wiped out, and for all of the millions of people in Egypt who made clear their passion for freedom and secular democracy, and not for Sharia and forced Islamism.

Americans must confirm to the Egyptian people that they still do believe in liberty and justice for all.