On 18 November
2014 His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in
the United Kingdom participated in a panel discussion chaired by the Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of
Canterbury, on violence against minorities in Iraq and Syria. The panel
discussion took place during The Church of England General Synod, and the other
panellists were: The Bishop of Leeds, The Rt Revd Nicholas Baines, The Revd
Rachel Carnegie, Executive Director of the Anglican Alliance and Shaykh Fuad
Nahdi, Executive Director of the Radical Middle Way.
As moderator of
the panel, The Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, The Bishop of Coventry began
proceedings by framing the discussion as one that should deal with listening to
each other and ascertaining how the brokenness in the Middle East, in
particular Iraq and Syria, has come about and what appropriate action can be
taken in response.
During the
discussion His Grace Bishop Angaelos spoke of the need to keep the plight of
those suffering in the Middle East in the forefront of prayers and advocacy
efforts despite a constant shift in media focus and narrative. He made mention
of the urgent need for humanitarian aid for those in Iraq and Syria as well as
the safeguarding of their religious freedom, saying:
“The
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other such agreements merely safeguard
God-given liberties. Since the basis of our freedom is found in Scripture we
have the credibility and responsibility as the Church to advocate for all
regardless of religious affiliation.”
Bishop Angaelos
spoke of those in Iraq and Syria who desire to continue living in their
homelands despite the persecution faced, as well as others who are asking to
leave and are seeking asylum in Great Britain. He went on to say that in
responding to the situation decision makers must not be prescriptive but directly
responsive to these people and their needs. Going on to clarify that if they feel
that they have a viable presence then they must be supported there, but if they
feel unable to continue due to risks upon them, their families and communities,
then we must provide the means for their relocation by granting them asylum
where we can. His Grace also expressed his thanks to Her Majesty’s government and
humanitarian organisations for providing support and aid to those in need.
In response to
the notion presented that there is no compulsion in religion and in answer to
the question “Is there a future for these communities to continue to live
together?” Bishop Angaelos expressed that it is unquestionable that there is
evidence of compulsion and even retribution for some of those who wish to live,
practice and choose their faith freely. He also stressed the need for prominent
leaders within Muslim communities to condemn these violations and encourage a
greater openness and acceptance. Bishop Angaelos concluded by saying that while
there is a radical and vocal fringe, when the Christian voice is added to an
accepting and embracing Muslim voice this is a sizeable, powerful and effective
majority.
Lastly His
Grace spoke of the essential need for a message of solidarity and unity from
the Church in the United Kingdom, referring to the Body of Christ as a means of
support and strength for all those suffering persecution in Iraq, Syria and
elsewhere. His Grace emphasized the need to cease using the artificial discrepancy
of referring to the ‘Eastern’ and ‘Western’ Church, going on to say that the Church
must, now more than ever, speak and respond to the suffering of those in the Middle
East in a collective and unified manner.
Shaykh Fuad
Nahdi spoke of the persecution of Christians as heinous and unacceptable for
any human being, speaking of the importance of coexistence saying:
“We
must share the example about coexistence and show compassion, but above all
things we must fight ignorance.”
The Rt Revd
Nicholas Baines, who has previously written a letter to The Rt Honourable Prime
Minister David Cameron in response to the situation in Iraq and Syria, spoke of
the importance of not only being reactive but having a long-term view in
responding to the crisis. In answering a question regarding the importance of media
reporting, he said:
“Religious
literacy is needed in the media. We need also to praise them when they report
well. We must remember that journalists are also losing their lives and we need
to pray and support them.”
The Revd Rachel
Carnegie spoke about horrifying reports of individuals who are being persecuted
for their faith in Syria and Iraq, while also speaking about the hopeful
initiatives and work of those who are providing humanitarian assistance in the
region and urging the Church to continue in prayer for those suffering, saying:
“We
must continue to pray as prayer becomes the foundation of our response, for
protection, provision, and perseverance.’
The session was
closed with prayer by The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.
