Written question asked by Bishop of Southwark (Bishops (affiliation)) on Monday, 12 April 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 April 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 26 April 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Egypt: Christianity

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Egypt about (1) the official recognition of the recently established Anglican Province of Alexandria and the distinct identity of the historic Anglican Church in Egypt, (2) the effect that the absence of such recognition is having on current legal challenges faced by the Anglican Church in Egypt, and (3) the impact of this legal dispute on (a) the life of the Anglican Church in Egypt, and (b) Christianity and religious freedom in Egypt.

Answer: We have been encouraged by the positive steps taken by the Government of Egypt in recent years, including President Sisi's public commitment to upholding the rights of minorities and freedom of worship, as well as the protections for freedom of religion enshrined in Egypt's constitution. However, we remain concerned by the difficulties being faced by the Anglican Province of Alexandria in receiving official recognition as an independent denomination. Our Embassy in Cairo is in close contact with Archbishop Mouneer about the matter, and we have made senior representations to the Egyptian authorities. Most recently, during their telephone call in March, the Prime Minister and President Sisi agreed on the importance of upholding freedom of religion and belief.

Secondary information