The 10% of Egyptians who are Christians live in constant fear, particularly now following an attack earlier this month after mass. The BBC reports that despite rhetoric from President Mubarek urging peace, many persecuted Copts believe other elements of Egyptian society controlled by the government send a different message.
There are warnings that the authorities must do more to deal with Christian grievances, including complaints about restrictions on building churches and a school curriculum focused on Islam.
"Nowadays everything is religious: the books in schools, the media. It's all adding to the divisions felt by the lower classes especially," reflects Amira, who also attends St Mary's Church.
The piece notes that not only are the Coptic Christians on the receiving end of violence and intimidation, the alienating situation has "radicalized" many of them as well. It's great for national leaders to urge tolerance, and peace, but when the other mechanisms of the state endorse a particular religious view, it's a time-tested recipe for fear and conflict.
