A Sense of Belonging

In Time for Orthodox Easter, A Turkish Declaration of Christian Unity

In the waning years of the Ottoman Empire, a delegation of imams approached the sultan in complaint. Western pressure forced the state to allow Christian churches to ring their bells. “Do they all ring at the same time?” the sultan asked. No, he was told. “Then don’t worry,” he replied, “until they can agree.” Perhaps … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Education Reform

God, Egyptians have long lamented the state of their schools. Often overcrowded with teachers poorly trained. Private lessons necessary for tests perhaps manipulated. Rote memorization required in subjects not fitting the needs of the nation. The list is long. The school year is short. But with the help of the World Bank and a minister … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Russia, Air and Chemical

God, For the first time in two years, Aeroflot returned to Cairo. Russia had suspended all air travel following a terrorist attack on a tourist carrier, and security precautions still prevent direct flights to the popular Red Sea resorts. Let it not happen again, God. But as Russian-Egyptian relations return to normal, give discernment in … Continue reading →

Happy Orthodox Easter, from the Egyptian President

Happy belated Easter, to Protestant and Catholic Christians who celebrated last week. But having enjoyed either “Pascha” or “Paas” (or both), please do not be remiss in remembering your Orthodox brothers and sisters today. After all, even the president of Egypt extends his greetings — and more. “I call on all of us to remember … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Re-Election

God, The election is over, and there were no surprises. President Sisi won re-election with 90 percent of the votes cast. His opponent – 3%. Spoiled ballots – 7%. Overall turnout – 41%. It is a respectable show of support. Critics say the best candidates were discouraged or prevented from running. They say the government … Continue reading →

Pope Tawadros’ Weekly Sermon, in English

Pope Shenouda III of the Coptic Orthodox Church was known as the ‘teacher of generations.’ I had the privilege of attending the beloved 87-year-old deliver one of his Wednesday weekly sermons back in 2010. Five years later, in post-revolutionary Egypt, I watched his successor Pope Tawadros continue the tradition. He preached on Esther, and for … Continue reading →

Religious Liberty: For the Health of the Whole World

From my recent article published at The Media Project: But for Durie, the issue is far greater than the right of one person to believe what they want – even as human rights always concern the individual, each and every one of which is sacred. It is a lonely battle, he laments, though much depends … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: How Many and Why

God, In the coming days Egypt will vote. The question is not who, but how many. The incumbent is expected to win in a landslide. Even his opponent supports him. But with so little at stake, so much is at stake, God: Legitimacy, at home and abroad. No doubt the president is still popular. In … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Citizens, Foreign

God, The citizen abroad is vulnerable. A foreign culture is hard to navigate with ways and threats uncertain. The citizen at home is vulnerable. A foreign media is hard to navigate with news and biases uncertain. So God, give discernment. A number of recent cases emerged where Egyptians have been assaulted in other countries. One, … Continue reading →

Is ISIS Really Muslim?

This article was first published in the March print edition of Christianity Today. For Egyptian Christians, 2017 was the deadliest modern year on record. At least 87 were killed by terrorists. But despite being labeled by ISIS as its “favorite prey,” Copts were only 12 percent of such fatalities last year. Far more Muslims died … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Crown Prince Visit

God, It was a high-profile visit, with high-profile rhetoric. The Saudi crown prince took his first foreign policy travels, spending several days in Egypt. He spoke of economy. The joint megacity is a future boon. He spoke of terrorism. Turkey and Qatar need isolation. He spoke of religion. Copts are beloved and Azhar restored. He … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: BBC, Insurance

God, Much of life depends on trust. Trust is based on credibility. Credibility comes from faithfulness. Speaking truth or demonstrating care, guard this deposit in Egypt. The BBC published a report on widespread torture and forced disappearances. The authorities balked, saying sources are biased – and perhaps the BBC itself. Later, a ‘disappeared’ woman appeared … Continue reading →

Holy Sepulcher Will Reopen After Jerusalem Suspends Church Tax Grab

This article was originally published on February 27, at Christianity Today. Israel suspended a controversial tax plan and property legislation today in response to the unprecedented Christian decision on Sunday to close the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat agreed to form a government committee … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Energy Hub

God, It has long been an ambition. Now it is becoming reality. But strange the one who makes it happen. Egypt is an energy hub. Not long ago she sold off share at cut rate prices. Not long after that she was begging fuel from international partners. Then an enormous natural gas field was discovered, … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Documents, Deals

God, The intrigue peaked as candidates emerged. It tempered as they fell. But it continues still. The running mate of a now detained general threatened release of secret documents that would embarrass the army. The general disputed, as his partner joined in confinement. And then a third, unrelated. A former popular presidential candidate, not running … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Operation Sinai

God, There are three weeks left. Following a terrorist attack that killed 300 worshipers at a mosque in Sinai, the president gave a three-month ultimatum to the military and police to eliminate terrorism. Today, Operation Sinai was launched. By land, air, and sea, in the desert and the Nile valley, a massive deployment seeks to … Continue reading →

To Defend Mideast Christians, Can Advocates Critique Islam?

This article was first published in the January print edition of Christianity Today. What’s the best way for Middle Eastern Christians in America to help fellow believers back home? A single misspelled email address inadvertently revealed the breadth of this dilemma for activists in the diaspora. The mishap sparked a spat this summer between two … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Candidates Set

God, After much drama, the result may be straightforward. The presidential election will pit the incumbent against the head of one of Egypt’s smaller parties. The candidate, who registered at the last minute, is also on record as one of the incumbent’s strongest supporters. Some say he is there for show. He says he is … Continue reading →

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Settling the Field

God, It is the highest post in the land, and therefore the most critical. Fill it with the man of your choosing, but give the people a valid choice. One once-popular candidate revised his desire to run. One once-powerful general fudged his ability to run. One once-marginal activist decried the procedures to run. One still-notable … Continue reading →

Good Mourning America

This article was originally published at The Table, of Biola University’s Center for Christian Thought. In the days leading up to our presidential election, it seemed quite clear that Christians were not happy. But the ennui went beyond politics toward a greater sense that America was changing. The unhappiness was rooted in good reason. Our … Continue reading →