NEWS PROVIDED BY
Coptic Solidarity
Oct. 31, 2025
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ — Coptic Solidarity is sounding the alarm over escalating political and diplomatic maneuvers that could irreversibly alter the centuries-old autonomy of the St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, one of the world’s most sacred and historically continuous Christian institutions.
For over fifteen centuries, the St. Catherine Monastery has stood at the foot of Mount Sinai as a symbol of faith, culture, and coexistence — protected through Byzantine decrees, Islamic covenants, Ottoman firmans, and international conventions. Today, however, the monastery faces unprecedented pressure under the guise of “cooperation” and “shared heritage.”
Reports indicate that Cairo, with acquiescence of Athens, may be advancing an “agreement” to redefine the monastery’s status. Egypt seems to be trying to benefit from the global attention and positive cultural credibility attained by the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum inauguration on November 1.
The alleged arrangement, presented as a gesture of “mutual understanding,” could discreetly transfer administrative control and legal status away from the Brotherhood of Sinai Fathers, the monastery’s historic governing body, under the illusion of “maintaining the Monastery’s spiritual nature.”
Such a move would strip the monastery of its self-governing status and bring it under Egyptian custodianship. Once this shift occurs, it cannot be undone — autonomy would give way to symbolism.”
The timing raises further concern as Dr. Khaled El-Anany, Egypt’s former Minister of Antiquities (2016–2022), is poised to assume leadership of UNESCO on November 7. During his tenure, El-Anany oversaw policies linked to the demolition of parts of Cairo’s historic necropolis and large-scale tourism projects around St. Catherine’s — developments that permanently altered the site’s character.
In light of these concerns, Coptic Solidarity has joined over 50 organizations, academics, and heritage advocates in signing a joint letter coordinated by World Heritage Watch, urging UNESCO member states to reconsider El-Anany’s confirmation. The signatories question his record on cultural preservation and call for transparency, integrity, and adherence to UNESCO’s founding principles.
“It is unacceptable that the same official who facilitated the destruction of protected heritage sites now seeks to lead the very institution charged with defending them,” said Caroline Doss, President of Coptic Solidarity. “This moment is a test of UNESCO’s moral credibility — and of the international community’s willingness to defend world heritage from political capture.”
A Moment of Decision
If such an agreement proceeds under pressure, Egypt could gain full leverage over the monastery’s legal representation, property, unique treasures, and governance — effectively erasing the centuries-old Status Quo that safeguarded St. Catherine’s spiritual independence.
Coptic Solidarity urges the UNESCO, the Vatican, the U.S., the European Union, and democratic governments to:
• Reaffirm the monastery’s Status Quo and autonomous legal identity;
• Ensure transparency in any negotiations or decrees concerning its governance, and
• Hold Egypt accountable for respecting international conventions that protect religious and cultural heritage.
This issue extends far beyond one monastery. It is a test of whether world heritage can be preserved without political interference — and whether ancient communities can maintain stewardship over their sacred sites in the face of state reappropriation.
If St. Catherine’s becomes heritage without guardianship — presence without sovereignty — it will be a loss to Orthodoxy, to global heritage stewardship, and to historical truth.
Coptic Solidarity is an organization seeking to help Copts of Egypt and other persecuted minorities. We support those in Egypt working for the protection of the fundamental rights of all Egyptian citizens, and advocate in cooperation with the affiliated organizations in Canada and in Europe (Solidarité Copte). For more information, contact coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org.
SOURCE Coptic Solidarity
CONTACT: Lindsay Rodriguez, 801-512-1713, coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org