As presidential election nears, Egypt's Christians worry

(CBS News) Egyptians vote this week in their first free presidential election in six decades. Thirteen candidates, from all over the political spectrum, are running.

CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports Egypt's largest minority fears their situation may go from bad to worse.

Mass at St. Mary's in Cairo starts early, at 7:30 a.m. Even so, the church is nearly full.

The Coptic Christian ritual is ancient and familiar, but outside the door Egypt now feels unwelcoming and unsafe.

Last May, a Coptic church was set on fire. Locals blamed Muslims in the neighborhood. Then in October, Christians protesting the destruction of another church were mowed down by soldiers in armored vehicles.

A year and a half ago, millions joined in the call from Tahrir Square for democracy.

Since then, in this majority Muslim country, Islamic politicians and parties have flourished.

"Dead" Egyptian awakens during funeral ritual
Egypt military, protesters clash in Cairo
Cairo's streets reflect uncertainty in Egypt gov't

Christians, says Father Pola Marqus of St. Mary's - feel under siege.

"We see that in neighboring countries with Islamic leaders, Christians aren't safe," Margus says. "So we're concerned about getting an Islamist president too."

Egypt's presidential elections are just three days away now and the country's Christians are deeply worried. They are Egypt's largest religious minority, and yet they don't think that any of the candidates has made them a priority, or is really capable of protecting their community.

Two of the front runners in the presidential race with a realistic chance of winning are deeply devout Islamists.

Christians, like Youssef Radana, just don't know what to expect.

"We are in a hazy period where you cannot predict exactyl what is coming. It could be good but it might be worse," Radana says.

And if it does get worse, the future is uncertain for for St. Mary's. It is full this morning, but perhaps not for long.

Since the start of Egypt's political upheaval alone, over 100,000 Christians have already left the country.

[alphaa10000]

RESPECT FOR RELIGIOUS MINORITIES PROMOTES BALANCED FOREIGN POLICY

john5673 said, "... It would be much better that we should accept the reality and used to live in peace with all democratic regimes of any color, religion and race around the globe rather than isolate our self from the majority of Islamic blocks..."
------

More Americans would find it easier to support a balanced foreign policy in the MidEast if Islamic-dominated democracies also actively protected the rights of all minorities, including Christians. Now is the time for Egypt and others of the Arab Spring to build bridges to the future.

Of course, protecting the full rights for all citizens, regardless of religion, offers benefits in both directions-- any nominally Christian democracy will be on better terms with any nominally Islamic democracy when both regard their minorities with respect, and affirm that respect with active protection under law.

To the extent Egypt elects leaders who are anti-Christian, or at least indifferent to Christians and their problems, Christians around the world will find it more difficult to support Egypt as it takes its place among nations after decades of military dictatorship. What Egypt needs most is widespread support building a stable democratic foundation.

Establishing true democracy for Egypt necessarily involves adjustments in practice and attitude, but before that process can begin, the structure of a truly democratic system must be in place.

All Egyptians should treasure their Christian populations-- they are part of Egypt's history and religious legacy. Christianity was widespread in Egypt and well-established long before the first mosque was built. Egyptian Christians are not a footnote of history, but a large and significant part of that history, and of what Egypt is today.

[john5673]

WE SHOULD USED TO LIVE WITH ISLAMIST. The days of our political dictatorship and hegemony is almost over. It would be much better that we should accept the reality and used to live in peace with all democratic regimes of any color, religion and race around the globe rather than isolate our self from the majority of Islamic blocks; who would like to get power using democratic means. Being a super power, it is time for us to accept any group or party without any pre-condition and use our yard sticks of fairness, justice, humanity, equality and compassion to make them our friends. For so long we have given priority to only one friend-Israel and accepted her every and all wrong and right wishes at the expense of more than 30 Islamic Nations, and sacrificing not only billions of dollars but our own principles, reputation and image. That need to be changed; sooner is better for ALL.

[tantorocks]

Welcome to reality CBS. Yes, your are over a year late in recognizing what is really happening in Egypt and throughout the Middle East, but it is good to see you finally leaving the dark side.

To help you with future stories, here is a suggestion: broaden your reporting to show the persecution of Christians as a trend throughout the entire region. Then, if you have the courage, quote Islamic clerics as they extol their followers to rid Egypt of the Christian dogs and filthy Jews. (just google MEMRI.org if you need help here CBS)

Make sure that as you quote them, you include their references to the Qur'an as justification for the submission and oppression of the infidels.

Yes CBS, Christians in Egypt have much to be worried about.

[1stlttightwad]

CBS, MSNBC, ABC, CNN all followed the same story line. They chose not to see the facts or report them as they really are..Took their marching orders from the white house to heart, didn't they. So much for cheering on the march of democracy in the mideast. Everyone could see who was really behind the riots, except the mainstream, lamestream media.

[gep1955]

its just like what the white house said, these guys are mostly secular, nothing to worry about. wrong again!

[thechooch1]

gep1955 it is their country, and if they are free, so they are free to vote however they want. We can't pick what people in other Nations want for their government.

[nohater]

they could all ask to come to the USA like the chinese man because he was persecuted. these egyptians will be, if not already, persecuted for their religious beliefs so they should approach the USA and be welcomed here like the chinese man, chen, and his family.

[FormerUSMCSergeant]

Considering that what we're talking about here are beliefs in invisible beings in invisible places, one would think that a belief in one would be as good as a belief in another.

[chipsmydog]

True Christians do not need to fear persecution or death. Christians must put their faith in Almighty God, the True God. He does answer prayer, and now would be a good time to pray and not be occupied with hand wringing and worry.
Any true Christian leader will have their followers deeply grounded in the Word of God, not the daily newspaper or neighborhood nay saying.

[MALL727net]

In World War II, too many Jews did not react in time to the signs of Nazism and ended up paying with their lives. Jewish owned properties were vandalized. When it became too late to leave, many hid in attics - but for most it was in vain. With the Muslim world closing in on Egypt, now would be a good time for Christians to leave with their families while they still can. Those who stay behind may eventually meet up with bloodshed as has happened many times before. While Muslims generally enjoy tolerance in the rest of the world - in areas where Muslims dominate - they do not seem to have tolerance for other religions.

[libbiesRliers]

This appears to be the painful truth