The Church and The Presidency in Egypt

 

Written by: Awny Seif, Cairo.

 

The relationship between the Egyptian church and President El-Sisi is a positive and multifaceted one that has evolved over time. The Coptic Orthodox Church, which is the largest Christian denomination in Egypt, has historically played a significant role in the country's social and political life, in the modern history since 1919. Now, since President El-Sisi came to power in 2014, the church has been a key ally for his government in navigating the challenges facing the country.

One of the key reasons for the close relationship between the church and El-Sisi is their shared commitment to combating religious extremism and terrorism. Egypt has faced numerous attacks by Islamist groups in recent years, and both the church and the government recognize the importance of working together to ensure the safety and security of all Egyptians. President El-Sisi has made it a priority to protect the rights of religious minorities, including Christians, and the church has been supportive of his efforts to promote tolerance and coexistence.

Additionally, the church has been a valuable partner for President El-Sisi in his efforts to promote economic development and social stability in Egypt. The church runs a wide range of social services, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages, that provide much-needed support to the country's most vulnerable populations. President El-Sisi has worked closely with the church to expand and improve these services, and their collaboration has helped to improve the lives of many Egyptians.

In recent years, President El-Sisi has made efforts to improve relations with the Coptic community and strengthen the church's role in Egyptian society. He has attended numerous church events, including Christmas services, and has met with church leaders to discuss ways to address the concerns of the Christian Egyptian community. The church has welcomed these gestures of support and has expressed its gratitude for President El-Sisi's efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

In conclusion, the relationship between the Egyptian church and President El-Sisi is a crucial one that has had a positive impact on the country's social, political, and economic development. While there have been challenges and disagreements along the way, both sides have shown a willingness to work together to address shared concerns and achieve common goals. As Egypt continues to face complex challenges in the years ahead, the partnership between the church and the government will remain an important source of strength and stability for the society.