A Sense of Belonging

Pilgrims’ Process: Why Christians Closest to the Holy Land Visit the Least

This article was first published at Christianity Today in the June print edition. Walking down the Via Dolorosa, Nabil placed his hand on the wall where Jesus reportedly stumbled on his way to being crucified. I am a lucky man, thought the 58-year-old. I can feel the Holy Spirit in my body. This wasn’t how … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Assassination, Funeral

God, Egypt witnessed a frightful return, disturbing a relative quiet. The pattern subsided but not that long ago was a viable threat. May it not be a portent of things to come. A car bomb detonated in an upper class neighborhood, injuring one bystander but missing the deputy prosecutor-general. Fifteen months ago, his positional superior … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Drowning

God, Over 150 people are dead in a disaster off Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. An equal number of would-be migrants were rescued, but the majority remain unaccounted for. Most on board the overloaded fishing boat were Egyptian, with a sizable segment of other nationalities. Turkey and Libya hold international focus as a launching pad of refugees … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Church and Loan

God, Long awaited items seem almost there. But almost to arrival is still a distance. Give wisdom in the final days of discussion. Egypt’s Christians have long complained of difficulty in securing authorization to build churches. The new constitution mandated a law be passed by parliament in its first term to govern a better process. … Continue reading →

An Egyptian Human Rights Rebuke, to America

It is not unusual for American politicians and the State Department to call out other nations of the world for their violation of human rights. But the past few weeks have given other nations an excuse to hit back. Laugh or cry, here is a selection of Egyptian statements about our racial issues and the … Continue reading →

Arab Christians and the Marrakesh Declaration

This article was first published at Christianity Today in the April print edition. With the lilt characteristic of a Southern megachurch pastor, Bob Roberts Jr. introduced the most significant Muslim statement on religious freedom in 1,400 years. “I am a Texan, an evangelical, and a Baptist,” the NorthWood Church leader told the crowd of more … Continue reading →

Bishop Angaelos on the Recent Rise of Attacks on Copts

Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK is a frequent go-to source for Western media seeking perspective on the Christians of Egypt and the Middle East. As localized, sporadic attacks on this community have been on the rise in recent weeks, he released a statement that is quite wise and balanced. Before … Continue reading →

Trump, Clinton, and Egypt

We are often asked what Egyptians think about current American politics and the presidential race. Our answer tends to fall into these categories: Many hate Hillary Clinton due to her support for the Brotherhood. Many think it doesn’t matter because US foreign policy never changes. Many see in Donald Trump an American version of Middle … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Normalizing Ties?

God, You desire good relations. But politics is often about particular interests, and sometimes relationships go sour. Sometimes they are damaged beyond repair. Perhaps in some cases, an outright break is necessary and best. So with Israel, Turkey, and the Muslim Brotherhood, God, help Egypt arrange her affairs properly. Feelers have gone out that perhaps … Continue reading →

Egyptian Copts: Continuing Violence and Conditional Hope

Egyptian Christians continue to offer overwhelming support to the current president. Following removal of the Muslim Brotherhood from power, Copts are inclined to overlook economic challenges and human rights infringements as they with many Egyptians appreciate Egypt’s relative regional stability. Public rhetoric esteems Christians as equal citizens as the president challenges Muslims to remove sectarianism … Continue reading →

To be a Muslim’s Eyes

From al-Monitor, a unique account of a Palestinian Christian in Gaza who daily accompanies his blind Muslim friend to the mosque: “Growing up, Hatem would always perform prayers at the mosque, but after the incident five years ago, he was no longer able to do so because there was no one available to guide him … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Exam Leaks

God, Small scale protests have erupted again, this time over education. Students are angry over the leaking of answers to the national high school exam, as well as the threatened postponement until tests can be reformulated. Both alleged leakers and demonstrators have been arrested, as several call for the resignation of the education minister. The … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Black Box Blasphemy

God, At least it has been found. And at least it has been tabled. Now, give wisdom to discern rightly and move forward. After weeks deep in the Mediterranean, the black box from Egypt Air flight 804 has been recovered. It could take weeks more to extract the data, but at least the mystery nears … Continue reading →

Ramadan Balderdash

In Egypt, Ramadan is not only highly anticipated as month of spiritual fasting, but also as a month of television entertainment. It is estimated that 80% of original content is released during the month, broadcast after sunset when family gathers to eat, socialize, and watch the hottest stars in action. One of my favorite party … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Dogs, Slaves, and FGM

God, As is fitting, we love our own. All too often, we fail to love others. Not infrequently, we degrade and discriminate where instead we should honor. And in Egypt this week, examples confirm what is found in all men. Help the nation root it out. During UN sponsored environmental meetings, a Kenyan official circulated … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Naked Sectarianism

God, It is ugly, but may it make a difference. It is embarrassing, but may it spur to action. Unfortunately it is real, and may it soon disappear. In Upper Egypt a married Christian man and a Muslim woman had an alleged romantic affair. That was bad enough, but what followed was worse. A mob … Continue reading →

Egypt and the Agony of Ongoing Tragedy

This article was first published at Providence Magazine: 6am in Cairo, May 19, I woke to the news of another disaster. EgyptAir flight 804 fell out of the sky en route from Paris, France. The world wondered terrorism. Egypt pondered the same, but the cause almost didn’t matter. With many Egyptians I exhaled deeply, sighing … Continue reading →

The Struggle for Enemy Love in the Arab Christian World

This article first appeared at The Table. For more articles featuring thoughtful Christian perspectives on the the nature and embodiment of love, growing through suffering, and acquiring humility, click here. I have long taken pride in the distinctive teaching of Christianity to love your enemy. It was not until I began learning Arabic I … Continue reading →

The Mural in the Garbage: An Artist’s ‘Perception’ of Cairo’s Coptic Slum

This article was first published at The Media Project: In 2013 the French-Tunisian eL Seed became the first Arab artist to collaborate with fashion mogul Louis Vuitton. His unique “caligraffiti” style emblazoned their classic Foulards d’Artiste monogram scarf, and embellished their iconic Alzer luggage case. Blending traditional Arabic calligraphy with street-style urban graffiti, his reputation … Continue reading →

World’s Biggest Muslim Organization Wants to Protect Christians

From my recent article at Christianity Today, published May 18, 2016: Secretary of State John Kerry recently confirmed what most already knew: ISIS is committing genocide against Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East. Many Islamic leaders knew it too. In January, 200 Muslim religious leaders, heads of state, and scholars gathered in … Continue reading →