Two Bible Society bookshops in Egypt have been attacked and burned by angry demonstrators in the recent violence there.
The attacks happened when security forces recently moved in to break up protest camps in Cairo. The bookshops, in Assuit and Minia, two of the largest cities in southern Egypt, were completely destroyed.
Ramez Atallah (General Director of Bible Society in Egypt), explains: “These were both beautiful, fully-equipped bookshops. The attackers demolished the metal doors protecting the bookshops, broke the windows and set the bookshops on fire.”
Thankfully no staff were injured, but Ramez said it was “heartbreaking to watch on TV this bloodshed between fellow Egyptians unfolding before our eyes” – and added that, “the very vast majority of Muslims are peace-loving people who want the Christians to continue living as co-citizens in Egypt.” Sadly, 15 churches and three Christian schools were also targeted.
But demand for Bibles is still very high, and so Bible Society will continue to trade from local warehouses until the shops are restored. To raise the money to do this, Bible Society has put out an urgent appeal for supporters to raise £12,000 online. If you would like to help, please go to:www.biblesociety.org.ukclick on Appeals.
from Parish Pump
Christian bookshops burned in Egypt
from Parish Pump