Concerned about the security of Christians in Egypt, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has encouraged the churches in the country to continue their involvement in Muslim-Christian dialogue."

It is a matter of regret that in Egypt today Christians can easily fall victim to violence and hatred, and that their security is not fully guaranteed. Many Copts, in particular, are made to feel like aliens in their own country."

This statement is part of a message to the member churches of the WCC in Egypt issued by the Council’s executive committee at the end of its 23-26 February meeting in Bossey, near Geneva, Switzerland.

In one of the latest attacks targeting Christians in Egypt, six Christians and one Muslim were shot down by gunmen at the conclusion of the celebration of a Coptic Christmas midnight mass in Nag Hammadi on 7 January.