In an interview with al-Dustūr, Priest Rifʿat Fikrī, head of the Evangelical Synod of the Nile, stated that the confusion of religion with politics and science is one of the main reasons that hinder the progress of the Egyptian state, and that no progress will ever be achieved as long as some people ask the religious institutions for their opinions on the non-religious affairs. In addition, He stated that the proliferation of atheism among the youth is attributable to the reactionary religious discourse, calling on the religious leaders to develop their discourse in a manner that makes it in step with the changing times.