Raised tension between the Coptic community and the Muslim majority have come to a head with the news that extremists who have been killing Christians in Iraq may also target believers in Egypt. Prayer meetings are being held at churches throughout Egypt amid heightened security. In Cairo, the number of security officers standing guard outside churches has doubled. In Zamalek, visitors to a recent Christmas bazaar and festival at the All Saints Cathedral were met with body searches, metal detectors and sniffer dogs. News agencies report that the Government has asked pastors to ‘cancel unessential, large-scale public meetings’. President Hosni Mubarak has made a statement through the state-run MENA news agency promising protection for Copts.See His promise coincides with heated debate in the media over ‘Coptic heritage’ and its ‘Islamic identity’. Pray: against religious fanaticism and the fear it creates and pray for harmony between Muslims and Christians in Egypt.