Those killed in defense of churches are martyrs: Awqaf Min.

CAIRO – 21 December 2017: The protection of churches is “a legitimate and national duty”, and those who died in the defense of the church are martyrs, Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Minister Mokhtar Gomaa stated on Wednesday.

Gomaa further stated that attacking churches is like attacking mosques, “so we must protect our churches like we protect our mosques.”

The minister stated that his remarks come in light of the concepts of equal citizenship and the increased value of citizenship. “In our war against terrorism, there’s no difference between Muslims and Christians.”

Gomaa reviewed the ministry’s efforts regarding human rights during the Human Rights Committee meeting in Parliament. He also underlined the recommendations of the Cabinet in applying human rights standards in Egyptian governorates.