1/08 -2008
Dear Dr. Romano,
There are difficulties invisible to Westerners that drive Christians to emigrate to the West. Ten million in the last century! A figure even published by Magdi Cristiano Allam. I follow your column closely and I am saddened by the fact that with your diplomatic language you avoid the essence of the problem and the examples you mention do not reflect reality. I understand that your contacts remain at a certain level that does not reflect the substance that would come to light if you were allowed contact with the people concerned. The presence of churches built for the most part in pre-war time hides social oppression and discriminatory laws in force. One for everything:
There is a ban on the construction of temples and churches in Egypt, except after having fulfilled 10 conditions that are difficult to implement. An edict by Caliph Omar 639 A.D. still regulates relations between Muslims and Christians and the permission to build Christian places of worship. A decree issued by the Ministry of the Interior in Egypt in February 1934 cited the 10 requirements to be able to issue a building permit. Repairing the boundary wall of a church requires the authorization of the President of the Republic; however, in most cases the prohibitions are deflected by the good will of local officials but always susceptible to blackmail. Religious worship must in any case remain discreet.
