Contact: Sarah Lee, Re:source Global, 773-931-3559
CHICAGO, Sept. 12, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Egyptian army's crackdown on Mohamed Morsi's Cairo supporters unleashed the largest attack on Egyptian Christians and Coptic houses of worship in the country's modern history.
In recent weeks, international news outlets and human rights groups have reported Christians have been beaten, threatened and even killed, forcing millions of Christians, primarily from the Coptic Orthodox community, into hiding. Scores of Coptic churches, monasteries, shops, schools, clubs and orphanages have been looted and burned. Christian homes and businesses have been targeted for violence with red and black spray paint, and historic Christian relics have been destroyed, with one ancient altar turned into a site for Muslim prayers.
In response to the violence against Christians, U.S.-based Re:source Global has set up the Egypt Emergency Fund to provide immediate, targeted relief and ongoing support to persecuted Christians in Egypt, whose lives and property have been destroyed in the violence.
Re:source Global is an international organization that pioneers and implements new models of financial and human capital investment that advance the work of the global Church.
"The fund allows all people around the world, not just those with financial surplus or local connections, to provide immediate relief to Christians in Egypt," said Jimmy Lee, president of Re:source Global. "We may not be able to stop the persecution, but we can communicate that we have heard their needs and we stand with Egypt."
To maximize the impact of any size donation, the first $100,000 of funds received will be matched dollar for dollar through the support of an anonymous donor.
Re:source Global has partnered with a trusted philanthropic organization (name withheld for security reasons) with a well-established network of ministry partners and churches in the region. The fund's partners and networks are non-denominational and have a proven track record of addressing urgent needs among Coptic, Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical communities, as well as the majority Muslim population.
The fund's resources will be utilized for immediate crisis needs -- food, clothing, shelter, safe haven -- for those most affected by the violence. Long-term, the fund will support Christians in rebuilding their lives, churches and businesses. Re:source Global will provide investors with regular reporting of operations.
To make a donation, visit www.resourceglobal.org or contact Sarah Lee, Strategic Development & Global Affairs, Re:source Global. slee@resourceglobal.org or 773-931-3559.
Despite the violence, local watch groups have reported seeing a new breakthrough of Christian-Muslim solidarity, as Copts and moderate Muslims unite in their opposition to radical and political Islam, and condemn the violence.
"Our local partners in Egypt have seen unprecedented collaboration among Christian groups, and among Christians and Muslims -- neighbors helping neighbors -- united in opposition to violence and murder," said Lee. "Peaceful Egyptians desperately need our help in this crisis, and these are the people we will support."
