"Americans must confirm to the Egyptian people that they still do believe in liberty and justice for all." -- Faith J.H. McDonnell, IRD Religious Liberty Director

Contact: Nathaniel Torrey, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, ntorrey@TheIRD.org

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christians in the United States should show solidarity with Egyptian Christians facing attacks and church burnings, according to an official with the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Suggestions by IRD Religious Liberty Program Director Faith J.H. McDonnell include:

• Share information about the burning of churches, and the destruction of homes and businesses of Copts and others considered "anti-Morsi," and help people understand that this is not random violence, but the deliberate targeting of Christians by the Muslim Brotherhood.
   
• Counter arguments that the Muslim Brotherhood members and supporters are the "victims" of the Egyptian military. The best way to do this is with the words of Egyptians themselves who are shocked at the U.S. government's apparent support for a radical Islamist terrorist organization.
   
• Find out your U.S. Representative's and your Senators' position on this issue, and tell them that you expect them to stand for the Christians who are being wiped out, and for all of the millions of Egyptian who made clear their passion for freedom and secular democracy, and not for Shari'a and forced Islamism.

In an interview this week with MidEast Christian News (MCN) Bishop Makarious, Coptic Bishop of Minya, Egypt stated that the recent attacks made on churches and Copts' houses were planned in advance.

The situation remains alarming in light of continued threats to Copts, especially in Minya where security forces' presence is needed. The bishop explained that attacks on Copts will continue unless sources of terrorism are dried up, security presence in villages and other places where strife is present is intensified and the perpetrators are brought to trial.

McDonnell commented:

"IRD challenges church members who worship safely in unburned churches, to take the persecution of fellow Christians more seriously, and devote time every Sunday to pray for them -- particularly for the Egyptian Christians.

"If you are a Christian, speaking out for the persecuted is your duty and responsibility to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Christians are accountable before God for how they respond to the persecution of other believers around the world.

"Here is an opportunity to do something for those in Egypt -- and by strengthening freedom and democracy in Egypt, to discourage Islamists in other regions, as well.

"Americans must show solidarity with the Egyptian people to confirm that they still do believe in liberty and justice for all."

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