Boko Haram is still the worst

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Leah Sharibu, a 15-year-old Christian girl abducted in February, is alive. Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group based in northern Nigeria, released an audio recording of Sharibu yesterday as proof of life. In the recording, Leah asks for President Buhari to help secure her release. She also asks for people to remember her and her family, and to assist them.

Our sources in Nigeria, who are in close contact with the family, have confirmed that it is in fact her voice in the recording. The sources shared, “Yes, her parents confirmed it is her voice in the audio and also that it is her face in the picture. She is the one.”

ICC spoke with Reverend Yakubu Pam, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria - 19 Northern States. While at a peace summit in Jos yesterday, he heard the Secretary to the Government of the Federation say that the Nigerian government is “making efforts to secure her release.” Rev. Pam also said that he and the other northern pastors at the summit will continue to raise concerns over Leah to determine what “making efforts” actually means.

Though it is encouraging to know that Leah is alive, in many ways, she is still at the beginning of her trials. According to her parents, “The government has not contacted [us] ever since she has been abducted and even today they have not contacted [us].” They say that only news agencies have contacted them. They have not heard from President Buhari, who has claimed to be working to free their daughter. They said that they “appreciate [everyone] who is working to ensure her release. [We] continue to plead for more pressure to be put on the government until she is released.”

Below is the translation of the recording, in which Leah is speaking Hausa:

“I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation. I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother, and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion, I am calling on the government, particularly the president, to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you.”

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “This is amazing news to hear. Ever since the release of the other Dapchi girls, it has been a serious question of whether or not Leah was alive. We have hoped and prayed to hear that she is, and will continue to pray and work for her eventual release. Now is the time for President Buhari to show that he will truly work to rescue Leah from the hands of evil.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Egyptian mobs riot after Eid al-Adha

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that, as the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha concluded, a series of four attacks struck Upper Egypt from August 22 to 25, 2018. In each of these incidents, security forces either delayed providing protection to Christians or attempted to instigate violence.

On August 22, in the village of Esna in Luxor Governorate, Muslim extremists gathered to protest Christian worship in a church that was seeking legalization. The Christians were gathered to celebrate the Assumption of Mary and their church is one of an estimated 3,730 churches that are seeking official recognition.

Following Friday prayers on August 24, the mob gathered a second time. While the police prevented this second gathering from escalating, local sources report that they have arrested five Christians and 12 Muslims. It is unclear on what charges the Christians remain detained. A villager told Wataninet, “We were surprised by the arrest of five Copts by the police, despite the fact that the Copts did not participate or were involved with any group.”

On August 24, a mob gathered in the village of Sultan in Minya Governorate to protest a local church from seeking official legalization. ICC has reported on three other recent mob attacks against the church which occurred on July 6, July 7, and July 13. Similar to the previous incidents, an absence of law enforcement contributed to this latest attack. Isaac, who attends the church, said, “The Christians have a strong want and will to get their rights. [Meanwhile], I suggested that the priest pray with people at home first and then pray in the church.”  

A Muslim who participated in the mob told ICC, “What makes us angry is that when they were building the building where they are praying now, we asked the priest, ‘Is this a church?’ The priest said, ‘No… the owner is building for his kids.’ Now it is as if we have been foolish… we are writing a complaint and we don’t want this priest here in the village.”  

On August 25, in the village of Beni Suef located in the Beni Suef Governorate, a policeman tasked with guarding the church from extremists instead aggressively entered the church and hurled insults at the congregation, calling them infidels. The other policemen reportedly remained outside of the church during the incident, and only restrained the offending officer when the worshipers brought him outside. Ibrahim, a member of the local church, said, “The Christian villagers are very distressed and want a strong stand from official persons. It has also become a threat to Christians in the village because they are around 20 families.”

At the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday, an attempted suicide attack against the Church of the Virgin Mary in Lower Egypt was thwarted. However, as ICC reported at the time, this is far from a normal response from security forces. A local teacher shared, “We are accustomed to this; that became the normal behavior at every feast or celebration, one terrorist trying to blow up a church or conduct violence like as an Eid gift.”

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Sadly, attacks of this nature are commonplace in Egypt, especially around religious holidays. Objections to the legalization of a church, or even the perceived possibility that a church might be legalized, are often the main purpose of organizing these attacks. The police often let the attacks escalate before interfering or, as demonstrated in the case of the Beni Suef incident, behave in a way that encourages future acts of violence. Egypt’s governing authorities must do more to protect Christians.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

10-Year Anniversary of Orissa riots

International Christian Concern (ICC) and India’s Christian community are marking the tenth anniversary of Orissa’s massive, anti-Christian riots. The Orissa riots are widely considered to be the worst incident of Christian persecution in India’s independent history. Even after 10 years, many of the riot victims’ lives remain shattered.

On August 24, 2008, anti-Christian mob violence swept across the Kandhamal District of India’s Odisha State, then called Orissa, after Christians were wrongly blamed for the assassination of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati. After three months of violence, at least 91 Christians were killed, many hacked to death by axes and machetes, and at least three Christian women were gang-raped. Additionally, nearly 56,000 people were displaced, forced to flee into the forests as mobs burned down more than 5,600 houses, 300 churches, and other Christian institutions.

Abhimanyu Nayak was one of the Christians killed 10 years ago. On August 26, 2008, Abhimanyu was captured by a mob, tied to a tree outside of his home, and set on fire as his family watched. While speaking with ICC, Priyatama Nayak, Abhimanyu’s widow, said that even though 10 years have passed, she still gets nightmares that her son will be killed in the same way.

“I get scared whenever my son steps out alone on any errand,” Priyatama said. “I feel afraid and restless [until] he returns because I think my son will be attacked or killed just like my husband.”

Pastor Abasalom Anand, a pastor in Kandhamal during the riots, said, “Fear and terror still grip me when I think of those days.”

“At 7:00 a.m. on August 25, mobs of people numbering roughly 5,000, armed with swords, guns, axes, and petrol, overran our neighborhood of Nuasahi and overturned our lives like never before,” Pastor Anand recalled.

“We are still in terror, not feeling safe,” Pastor Pradeep Nayak, another survivor of the 2008 violence, told ICC. “At every corner of the market, we feel something is going against Christians.”

Many Christians displaced by the violence have been unable to return to their home villages due to threats and a lack of government assistance. “So many people are not able to return to their own homes as they are not able to build back their houses,” Suranjan Nayak explained. “During the government survey, many were still away from their villages and were not recorded, hence they were not able to get government compensation to reconstruct their houses.”

“Justice has been difficult for the Kandhamal victims,” Dr. John Dayal of the United Christian Forum told ICC. “The state has absolutely refused to rebuild more than 300 churches that were destroyed as well as several educational and training institutions.”

“We hope the state will become more conducive so that freedom of faith is firmly re-established in the region,” Dr. Dayal continued. “The wonderfully brave and faithful Christians in Kandhamal deserve respect, solidarity, and support.”

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “A decade has passed since Christians in India experienced the worst anti-Christian violence their country has ever seen. Despite the passage of time, many of these victims have yet to receive justice due to discrimination and poor police work that followed the riots. In many cases, Christians driven from their homes by mobs in 2008 are still unable to return to their villages unless they agree to convert to Hinduism. The Indian government must do more to ensure justice for these victims and take greater steps to rebuild the lives that were devastated by the 2008 riots.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Government of Sudan commanded to stop stealing stuff from their own people

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a Khartoum-based court has ordered the authorities to immediately surrender church property belonging to the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC). Authorities confiscated the property on February 11, 2018 when the church was demolished.

“The presiding judge today ruled that we should receive back our furniture, Bibles, sound system, stationery, and other items although the demolition case is still pending determination,” said Reverend Yahiya Abdurrahman Nalu. “We see this as a great step towards justice which has remained elusive for a long time, and we hope they will deliver our items soon and in good shape.”

The church was demolished in February when government agents claimed that it was built on public land. “Our appeal is about why the government brought down the church building that was put up in 1989 on a piece of land sold to us by a local person. Other buildings lying in the same stretch as our church were spared during the demolishing because they belong to Muslims. It is this partial application of the rule of law that agitates us,” Reverend Yahiya expressed.

Many churches in Sudan have been demolished since 2014 when the government issued an order banning the construction of new churches and the removal of churches allegedly built on public land. “Our prayer is that the judge will impress upon the government to allow us back to our church plot and compensate us for the damages caused and time lost. If they bring back the church items, where shall we keep them?” added Reverend Yahiya.

Abraham*, the lawyer representing the church, confirmed to ICC that he will go to court again if the items are not delivered within a week. He said, “The government might be playing tricks to soothe and flatter us in order to make us loosen our grip in the cases. We are not going to look the other way and I will go to court if the church doesn't get the items by Thursday next week.”

The Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC) is facing three other ongoing lawsuits that include 25 church members accused of disobeying government orders to take over leadership of the church, two pastors evicted from their homes, and an appeal against the Ministry of Guidance and Endowment from seizing a Christian school belonging to the church.

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “We are rejoicing over the ruling in this case, but remain wary. We will wait until we hear that this church has received its property until we believe that the Sudanese government will uphold its own rulings in favor of this Christian community. The authorities must also further these rulings by returning the land that they have stolen and ensure that the churches are able to rebuild. We will continue to pray and work on behalf of those in Sudan who are forced from their churches and property due to their faith. We hope to one day see true freedom in Sudan.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

*Name changed for security

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Arrested in Kenya for preventing female genital mutilation

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that last Wednesday, August 8, 2018, police in Tiaty, Kenya arrested Pastor David Kimeu over alleged involvement in human trafficking. David Kimeu is not only a pastor, but a full-time missionary with the Africa Inland Church Mission Department (AICMD).  He has dedicated his time to rescuing girls from female genital mutilation and forced marriage. However, the local elders from his community falsely accused him because they strongly advocate for these outlawed practices.

“We were getting ready to take 16 girls for a three-day Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP) camp when security officers surrounded our home, claiming that the girls were kidnapped, and we were summoned to the local police headquarters for questioning. All the girls were separated and asked to write statements about what was going on in our home,” Pastor David Kimeu told ICC.

On Thursday, August 9, Pastor David appeared before the Tiaty magistrate to answer questions pertaining to charges of human trafficking and the unlawful operation of a rescue center.

Pastor David also informed ICC, “The files of the 16 girls presented before the magistrate by the prosecutor were read and a determination made. My wife and I were cleared of the charges because the girls indicated that they had taken refuge in our home for fear of being circumcised and married off to old men before they could finish their studies so that their parents can receive huge amounts of cattle dowry payment…Consequently, the girls have been separated from us and taken for custody in other orphanages and rescue shelters.”

Many communities in Kenya still practice female genital mutilation, despite knowing the potentially life-threatening medical problems it can cause. The Church in Kenya has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts to stop this practice that hinders young girls from pursuing their dreams after being forced to marry older men. Rescue shelters have been opened to protect, counsel, and empower girls who have been mutilated or escaped mutilation.

“We have always met resistance because of our efforts to curb female genital mutilation (FGM) rite of passage in this community and the allegations of human trafficking leveled against my wife and I are malicious and uncalled for…We fear for our lives because the same people that called the police to arrest us are threatening to destroy our home, church, and the school we opened for the community. We have repeatedly faced death threats from known and unknown people and the local chief and police have taken no action. In May, my wife was confronted by armed men who threatened to stop interfering with the girls in the villages. We need your prayers and encouragement as we continue with the Lord's work in Tiaty,” lamented Pastor David.

The Kenyan parliament passed the Female Genital Mutilation Act in 2011, stating that violators will be punished with up to three years in prison for FGM and life imprisonment in cases that result in death.

ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Nathan Johnson, stated, “We pray for Pastor David and his family, so that God can deliver them from this trial and they can continue to help many of these vulnerable, young girls who are only children. We hope that the authorities and the judge show grace over the accused victims and carry out a fair trial. Please keep the pastor and his ministry in your prayers.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Muslims shown to lack merit

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a criminal court based in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, has determined a case in favor of the Sudan Church of Christ (SCOC) due to lack of merit. Government representatives filed the lawsuit in 2016 after the Sudan Church of Christ declined to hand over its leadership and ownership to a state-sanctioned committee.

The leader of the SCOC, Reverend Ayoub Talian Tutu, confirmed the news to ICC and stated, “The case was to be heard on July 30, but we thank God that today on August 8, we got a fair hearing before the presiding judge who found inadequate evidence and unconvincing information as to why we should hand over the running of our church to a state body. He declared that the leaders of our denomination were legally elected.”

The regime led by Omar al Bashir has pushed for complete political, social, and religious Islamization. However, this would entirely transform Sudan into an Islamic state and diminish the remaining 20 percent of Christians who already are a minority group.

SCOC legal counsel Demas James shared with ICC, “The case was dismissed for lack of merit on the prosecutor’s side. The SCOC leadership was put in place through a rigorous process as per the church’s constitution, without contravening any law that could have amount(ed) to a criminal case. It was purely an administrative issue raised in a criminal court but we thank God that our legal submissions were sufficient to convince the court.”

One of the church leaders, Rev. Kuwa Shamal, expressed his gratitude for the case dismissal, “We are very happy because the burden of being taken to court is over. The Lord has done great things. The judge has granted us the freedom to continue with our church activities without external influence and directed us to report immediately if any one of the government agents comes closer to our offices and churches.”

Regardless of the many cases pending in different courts and the impending demolition of churches, persecuted Christians in Sudan have not given up hope.

“Our church is grateful to ICC for always praying for us and calling to check on us every week. Their concern about the welfare of the Church in Sudan incredibly overwhelms our heart. Although we do not trust the government about the court ruling, because of their tendency of reviving Christian cases, we hope that God will continue giving us victory even in case of an appeal.” Rev Shamal added.

The persecution of Christians in Sudan has risen with the government restricting evangelism and other outreach activities, prohibiting street preaching and crusades in Khartoum, and limiting pastors and evangelists going on missions in the country. The few underground missionaries in Sudan are always at risk of being attacked or killed if anyone learns that they are Christian ministers.

ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Nathan Johnson, stated, “We praise God for the outcome of this case in favor of our brothers and sisters who are part of the SCOC. We pray for the families that were directly affected and have experienced hostility in their country. We hope and pray for the protection of Christians in Sudan who continue to be targeted in numerous ways.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Starting beef with Narendra Modi

International Christian Concern (ICC) has closely recorded developments in India as religious persecution continues to intensify. In February 2018, the Indian government openly admitted that religious intolerance was on the rise and presented evidence that reaffirmed their statements. While admission of growing persecution is a step forward, the government has taken no concrete steps to help curtail the increasing violence.

Following these statements, ICC has worked with members of the United States Congress to author a bipartisan congressional letter to Prime Minister Modi. The letter applauds the admission of the problem by the Indian government, while sternly calling on the prime minister to take action to ensure religious freedom for all religious groups in India. The letter was led by Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL) in the House and Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in the Senate. After several other members of Congress signed, the letter was sent to Prime Minister Modi last week. ICC continues to monitor developments in the region and expects a response from the government of India, highlighting steps to ensure religious freedom for all.

Although India’s constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom, not all citizens currently enjoy this right. Many Indian states have passed so-called Freedom of Religion Acts, or anti-conversion laws, that prohibit “coerced” religious conversion. The congressional letter specifically calls attention to these laws, which are extremely vague and often misused by local authorities to prevent Christians and other religious minorities from publicly practicing their faith.  Most organizations working with the persecuted are aware of the situation in India and support the US government’s efforts to apply pressure on Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government.

In 2016, ICC worked on a similar initiative with members of Congress that called on the Indian government to publicly acknowledge ongoing religious freedom violations. The letter helped prompt a response from the Modi regime, which dismissed such acts of persecution as mere “aberrations,” not indicative of a widespread and growing problem. International Christian Concern and partnering NGOs deemed these statements as false.

ICC has been working continually to combat persecution in India and hopes that the congressional letter will shed more light on persecution in India. Coming off of a 2017 visit to the United States, Prime Minister Modi echoed President Trump in saying that he greatly values US-India relations. ICC hopes that this letter will increase pressure on Prime Minister Modi to value human rights and religious freedom as the United States continues its cooperation with India. 

Matias Perttula, ICC’s Advocacy Director, said, “International Christian Concern played a crucial role in supporting this congressional letter by making significant contributions to the language by providing expertise, raising awareness, and encouraging members of Congress to sign on to the letter. The bipartisan letter is expected to prompt a public response from the government of India and highlight the concrete steps they plan to take in order to curtail the ongoing persecution.”

For interviews with Matias Perttula, Advocacy Director, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Do you have 50,000 yuan

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on July 30, the Guangzhou Bible Reformed Church (GBRC) received a notice from local authorities of a 50,000 yuan fine (approximately 7,330 USD), along with evidence of Pastor Huang Xiaoning conducting “illegal religious activities.”

The fine came after the house church repeatedly refused to shut down the church or join a state-sanctioned church as previously requested by the authorities. GBRC will appeal for an administrative reconsideration.

According to China Aid, Pastor Huang stated the following after receiving the notice: “As Chinese citizens, we need to walk the path of defending our rights in accordance to law, so we will appeal for an administrative reconsideration. As the pastor of a Chinese house church, we will spread the Gospel through our rights-defending actions. Regardless of the results, we firmly believe that the Lord reigns over everything, so given our faith in God, as a church, in broad daylight, we are willing to bear temporary injustice. More persecution like this will make us understand our mission more, which is to spread the Good News. In the meantime, we have to be more cautious in everything we do, be law-biding and preserve what has been achieved, be devout children of God, and the consciousness of this society.”

This was not the first time the church has been targeted by the government. In June, security officials and the Panyu District Religious Affairs Bureau visited GBRC three times. Each time, the authorities accused them of having an “illegal religious gathering” and “illegal education (for children’s Sunday school)” and ordered them to halt their activities immediately. GBRC did not comply.

On July 15, approximately 40 staff members from the State Food and Drug Administration, the cultural law enforcement brigade, local police, and religious bureau raided GBRC, forcing the church to stop their worship. Authorities interrogated Pastor Huang and GBRC received a preliminary fine of 50,000 yuan, which the church refused to pay.

The Panyu District Religious Affairs Bureau held a four-hour hearing on July 16, accusing GBRC of being legally flawed regarding its venue, pastor’s duty, gathering, and offering. GBRC responded by saying that the government did not follow legal procedures in the hearing and evidence-gathering process.

A search of the church’s WeChat public account “gzsjgzjh” on July 31 returns with no results, meaning that it has been shut down by the government. World Watch Monitor reports that one of the church’s staff members suggested one reason for the ongoing harassment could be the church’s alleged international connections.

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “In China, when you stand against the regime, you become the prime target of the state and will be subjected to repeated persecution, as in the case of GBRC. For refusing to join the state-sanctioned church, the pastor and the church have suffered repeated harassment and interference from the government. It is shameful and reprehensible for China to disregard religious freedom as enshrined in the constitution for its people.”

For interviews with Gina Goh, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Coptic bishop killed in Egypt

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the bishop of Anba Makar Monastery, Anba Epiphanius, was found dead, lying in a pool of blood, on the morning of July 29. The monastery is located in lower Egypt’s village of Wadi al-Natroun. According to various media reports, security officials not authorized to speak about the case reported that the bishop’s head and back were injured. It appears that he was attacked while on his way to attend matins before Sunday Mass.

According to a press statement by Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church, “The ascetic and scholarly honorable Father, His Grace Bishop Epiphanius, Father of Saint Macarius Monastery in Wadi El-Natrun, passed away in his home at an early hour this morning. And due to the shadowy circumstances surrounding the details of his departure, official investigations by formal parties have commenced and current questioning is now underway regarding this matter. We await what the results of these investigations will reveal.” 

Copts United reported that Bishop Epiphanius’s body was discovered when one of the monks collided with the body during his walk. While the weapon has not yet been discovered, an initial report states that he was killed with a sharp object through the back of the head. The monastery remains closed due to the investigation.

Bishop Epiphanius was a Coptic Orthodox scholar whose work is well known within the Egyptian Church. The Coptic Orthodox Church’s spokesperson published on Facebook, “The Church continues to be proud of her recent martyrs who continue to witness for the Lord Jesus every day – whether the martyrs that were killed for their service of the word of God and evangelism, or the martyrs that were killed for their faith in Christ.”

According to a published quote by Father Shenouda, a monk at the monastery, the authorities have ruled out an act of terrorism. However, concerns remain given that the mysterious circumstances of Bishop Epiphanius’ death took place within the context of worsening persecution for Egypt’s Christians.

“The event is strange and new in the history of the Church and the history of monasticism,” explained one church leader. “Two days ago, [there was] a non-Christian attempt to infiltrate the monastery, and it was handed over to security. At the same time, the door was left open [to the] monastery and this is new to the policy of the monastery daily on Saturday and Sunday.”

A local priest added, “[This] is a powerful blow to the Church and it is possible that people [now] fear to go to the monasteries again. The only place that should be safe in Egypt, has become unsafe.”   

“This is a strange and new and special incident in a place like the monastery of Anba Makar,” worried Bassam, a Coptic Christian. “We pray that the truth appears and ends longing.”  

An investigation led by Major General Alaa Eddin Abdel Fattah, Director of the Security Department, is ongoing. Local sources report that the scene of the crime was inspected for 14 continuous hours and the identity of the perpetrator has not yet been identified.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Summer is a traditional time for Egypt’s Coptic Christians to travel to monasteries to pray and worship. The mysterious death of Bishop Epiphanius causes much concern among the Christian community on whether it is safe to do so. Many recall the 2017 Minya bus attacks, during which gunmen attacked Christians traveling to the monastery of St. Samuel the Confessor. It is well documented how Egypt’s Christians are disproportionately the victims of targeted acts of violence. Incidents such as this pose a significant barrier to Christians feeling safe within their own places of worship.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org