ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with an introduction to the status of Copts in Egypt, proceeds to explain the roots of their ordeal by exploring the nation-state crisis that Egypt never resolved and the hegemony of Islamic fundamentalism over the Egyptian ideological landscape. Although Egypt's population is relatively homogeneous, the majority of Egyptians are Sunni Arabs, the country hosts the largest Christian community in the Arab world. Prominent sects include the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Coptic Catholic Church, and sixteen Protestant denominations. President Sisi made some bold and symbolic moves. He daringly acknowledged that Islamic clergy bear some responsibility for the violence and the growing extremism that afflict Egypt and the region and called for a 'religious revolution' to promote tolerance, peace and coexistence. The chapter ends with an examination of the effects of the revolution on Coptic identity politics.
