Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and
Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox
Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on the current
debate regarding security and provision of refuge for the most vulnerable
30
January 2017
The current state of geo-politics and the numerous terrorist
attacks around our world in recent months have led to a growing uncertainty and
global anxiety with regards to both internal and external security. This
concern has prompted debates on the need for vigilance, the safeguarding of
national security and the protection of individuals. Those same debates have
also uncovered an underlying scepticism over the fluidity of borders and ease
of access for those potentially intending harm, while also highlighting a
perceived lack of compassion and understanding for those fleeing that same harm.
While it is important to safeguard individuals, communities and
entire nations, it is undeniable that there has been widespread instability and
conflict that has also led to the inhumane treatment and vast displacement of
millions of vulnerable people across the Middle East and elsewhere. In seeking
to protect individuals or a particular sector of a community, it is imperative
that we do not alienate others, especially when it means denying the basic human
rights and freedoms of those most vulnerable. We are already witnessing the generic
application of law and policy running the risk of violating the same rights
they seek to protect, potentially doubly discriminating against vulnerable
families and individuals fleeing war and conflict by denying them the
opportunity to seek refuge and safe haven.
As Christians following Biblical teachings and traditions existing
for millennia, we believe that God instructs us to provide refuge and
hospitality to all humanity indiscriminately. He does not stop there in His
instruction, but goes further to urge us to love all, even those who consider
us their enemies. We are warned in the Gospel of Saint Matthew about neglecting
“…the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” In addressing the balance between maintaining security and providing refuge for those most vulnerable, we must remember the words of our Lord that, “These you ought to have done, without
leaving the others undone.” Love and forgiveness, as I have stated in the past
should not amount to a lack of justice or wisdom, but they do safeguard against
our human tendencies to seek revenge, or act in ways no different from those
who seek to harm us.
While our human brokenness has led to the conflict and vulnerability
we see in the world, we must not allow that same brokenness to lead us into dehumanising
others, considering them less worthy of God-given rights and freedoms.
At a time when some politicians across the globe are utilising
language that potentially promotes division and polarisation, it is imperative
for all in positions of influence or authority, whether religious leadership or
other, to remind all of the crucial values of love, acceptance, forgiveness and
mercy. Without these values, our world will become a much more hostile place;
and in not providing for the other, we deprive ourselves and future generations
of those same entitlements fought for and upheld for millennia.
As a Church that frequently finds itself at the receiving end of
lethal terrorist attacks, we understand far too well the need to protect
communities and individuals. At the same time however, we must not do so in a
way that compromises our integrity or goes against the humaneness with which we
must address the vast majority of those who do not directly or indirectly
advocate for, aspire to, or inflict harm on others.
We pray wisdom for leaders, safe passage and refuge for the
vulnerable, and a realisation, by those who seek to inflict harm and terror on
others, of the value and sanctity of every life.
*Ends*
