Coptic Christians in Ezbat al-Forn, of the Abyouha village in Abu Qurqas city of Minya governorate, said Sunday that security forces prevented them from holding mass and daily prayers, as the church is not licensed. Church sources said that security forces prevented the worshipers and the priest from accessing the church, so they worshiped in the street. Head of Abu Qurqas city council, Brigadier Mohamed Salah, said that there is no licensed church in Ezbat al-Forn. He added that the Coptic Christians in the area bring a priest with them every Sunday, and attempt to hold their rituals in homes not licensed for prayer. Christians complain about unfair treatment, including rules, they say, make it easier to build a mosque than a church.

Source: Egypt Independent August 20, 2017 10:07 UTC