When we hear the word Copts, we think of Egypt. Copts have a long history plagued by blood and oppression after they embraced Christianity in Egypt.
The Christians in Egypt were called Copts as they belong to the land of Egypt as the word Copts means the people of Egypt. With the entry of Islam in Egypt, Christians were called Copts against Muslims. Now, they represent the largest minority in the Middle East and the largest Christian community in the region.
Copts are estimated at 8 million Copts in Egypt and about 2 million Copts all over the world (most of them live in the United States). Copts had their own language which is one of the oldest.
Coptic history is full of persecutions and injustice. Jesus told the Christians to face evil with good saying: But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Thus, Copts have faced injustice and abuse by love and forgiveness.
Copts have always suffered under Greek, Persian and Roman rule. This has changed a bit under the rule of Mohamed Ali Pasha who supported equality between Muslims and Christians in Egypt and granted the Copts freedom of worship. Under the rule of Said Pasha, the Copts were granted the right to join the army and judiciary. Moreover, they were allowed to run for parliament.
During the reign of President Anwar al-Sadat, the government was working in 1977 to issue a law of apostasy, which sentences every apostate of Islam to death, which was considered a law for the Copts. Ever since the Copts have suffered from discrimination and terrorist attacks. They have always called for peace and want to enjoy freedom and dignity in their own country.
