Egyptian Christians seek freedom guarantees ahead of run-off vote

(ENInews)–Egyptian Christians are seeking guarantees they will have freedom of worship as campaigns for the mid-June presidential run-off are reaching fever pitch. Christians hold a crucial number of votes, with six million Copts being eligible alongside Roman Catholic, Episcopalians (Anglicans) and some evangelical groups. The 16-17 June election pits Ahmed Shafik, a former Prime Minister of jailed former president Hosni Mubarak, against Mohammed Morsi, candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood party. Christians have not officially backed either of the two, but Shafik on 4 June warned that voting for the Islamist group would threaten the rights of Christians and women, a view that appeared to resonate with the denominations. [349 words, ENI-12-0321]