Christian-Muslim Rift Widens

Tension is simmering between Egypt's Muslim and Christian communities after allegations of forced conversions to Islam."

Sidhom said Christians in Minya had long been appealing for permission to build a church. "Finally, out of desperation, they tried to modify an existing building, when they were attacked by Muslims who tried to destroy it," he said.

Said says the conflict is a part of a trend where a "revolution of identities" is taking place all over the world "in which cultures are increasingly defining themselves in religious terms."

allAfrica.com: Egypt: Egypt: Christian-Muslim Rift Widens