Christian Brotherhood established in Egypt

Copts Declare Creation of 'Christian Brotherhood' - Middle East - News - Israel National News:

 "A group of Coptic activists in Egypt announced the establishment of the Christian Brotherhood to counter the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Arabiya news reported.

The idea was first initiated in 2005 by lawyer Mamdouh Nakhla, head of al-Kalema Center for Human Rights, and political analyst Michel Fahmi. It was then adopted by Amir Ayad, member of the Maspero Youths Union for Free Copts, the group established after clashes with military forces in front of the TV building in the Cairo district of Maspero left more than 20 Copts dead.

The Christian Brotherhood has branches in 16 governorates in Egypt as well as four branches outside Egypt, three in Europe and one in Australia.

“The idea started in 2005 with the rise of Islamist groups, but it had not been put to action since then,” Michel Fahmi told Al Arabiya in a phone interview.

Fahmi explained that the victory of Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammad Mursi in the country’s presidential elections necessitated taking steps towards creating the new Brotherhood.

“It was then important to establish a body that can resist the Islamist tide,” he said"