Security services in a village in Minya, Upper Egypt, on Wednesday managed to prevent the escalation of sectarian strife following the reopening of a church. A number of Muslim villagers, claiming that the church was reopened without a license, gathered around the church in protest.
A church source said the building was opened for praying because the Christians of the village had to walk seven kilometers to the nearest church.
He added that the Patriarchate had applied for the church to be opened but received no reply, explaining that is there is no response within 30 days, it becomes legal to open the church.
He also said the church had a verbal approval from the dissolved state security to reopen but that the matter had been delayed because of the 25 January revolution.
A security source said the security director is holding a meeting between Muslims and Christians in order to maintain calm in this quiet village.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
