Egyptian Christians refused to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week, claiming the United States is backing Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.

Clinton was set to meet with prominent Coptic Christian leaders in Cairo, July 15. But the group of politicians, business leaders, and clerics said the Obama administration has shown support of the Islamic parties they stand against, and refused to attend.

They also blamed the United States for intervening in Egypt's election process by showing preference for Islamist candidate Mohammed Morsi, who's now president.

Meanwhile, a draft of Egypt's new constitution makes Islam the state religion.

Christians in the country are now pushing for constitutional protections for them and other religious minorities.