Egypt legalizes nearly 300 churches in stride toward religious inclusivity

Egyptian government has legalized 293 previously unlicensed Christian churches and service buildings. The decision, made last month in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, raises the total number of recognized Christian churches in Egypt to 3,453.

This action builds on the government’s commitment to making worship spaces accessible to its citizens across all faiths.

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The recent approvals are part of an ongoing initiative to regulate religious buildings under Egypt’s Law No. 80 of 2016, which seeks to streamline the construction and renovation of churches in the predominantly Muslim country.

In 2017, the government formed a committee to review church legalization requests, aiming to make Egypt a more inclusive nation for all religious communities.

Historically, Egypt’s Christian minority—primarily Coptic Christians, who represent around 10% of the population—has faced barriers to church construction.

However, recent actions have reflected a shift, promoting a more open and equitable approach to religious worship.

A report by EgyptToday highlights how this legalization aligns with Egypt’s goals to enhance church-society relations, ensuring that churches meet safety standards and are legally recognized.

Catholic charity organization Aid to the Church in Need International has also noted an improvement in religious freedom for Christians in Egypt compared to previous years.

This move is being seen as a reinforcement of the government’s commitment to religious coexistence and community safety, providing greater freedom of worship to Egypt’s Christian population.