As presidential election nears, Egypt's Christians worry

CBS News ^ | May 20, 2012 7:22 PM | Elizabeth Palmer

[Olog-hai]

Egyptians vote this week in their first free presidential election in six decades. Thirteen candidates, from all over the political spectrum, are running.

CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports Egypt's largest minority fears their situation may go from bad to worse.

Mass at St. Mary's in Cairo starts early, at 7:30 a.m. Even so, the church is nearly full.

The Coptic Christian ritual is ancient and familiar, but outside the door Egypt now feels unwelcoming and unsafe.

Last May, a Coptic church was set on fire. Locals blamed Muslims in the neighborhood. Then in October, Christians protesting the destruction of another church were mowed down by soldiers in armored vehicles.

A year and a half ago, millions joined in the call from Tahrir Square for democracy.

Since then, in this majority Muslim country, Islamic politicians and parties have flourished.

Christians, says Father Pola Marqus of St. Mary's - feel under siege.

"We see that in neighboring countries with Islamic leaders, Christians aren't safe," Margus says. "So we're concerned about getting an Islamist president too." …

Since the start of Egypt's political upheaval alone, over 100,000 Christians have already left the country. …

[onedoug]

I’m surprised that amongst the islamist savages there are any Christians left.

[rawcatslyentist]

Genesis 18:23
"Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?"

Revelation 18:4
"Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues;"

Revelation 15:2
And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire

When the numbers are right, it will be time.

[Venturer]

Christians in Egypt have every right to worry.
The smart ones will be moving out, or organising and arming themselves.