Written by Don Byrd
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom today released a letter they sent last week to President Obama, urging him to speak more forcefully against a recent increase in violence against Coptic Christians in Egypt. On August 14, hundreds of Egyptians were killed as protests were forcefully disrupted. Since then, the Commission says, organized attacks on churches are becoming more common.
Almost simultaneously, a coordinated series of attacks on churches throughout the country were instigated by extremists. We were deeply troubled that leaders and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood tolerated or even encouraged incitement against Christians, and that the interim authorities stood by or were slow to react when attacks occurred.
While USCIRF recognizes the grave issues at stake related to democracy, rule of law, and human rights in Egypt, the Commission is concerned particularly about the ongoing threats and violence targeted at religious minority communities, particularly Coptic and other Christians and their property. The extent and scope of attacks since August 14 have resulted in the sectarian-related killings of at least seven Copts and attacks on more than 130 churches and Christian religious structures, homes, and businesses.
The violence across the Middle East over religious differences has been heartbreaking to watch, particularly after the great hopes for peaceful democracy following the Arab Spring. It’s unclear what the United States can do at this point to curb this trend. One conclusion seems certain: peaceful democracy remains out of reach so long as religious freedom is denied.
