Press Release: Cancellation of Church activities in Egypt following renewed spate of attacks against Christians

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

Cancellation of Church activities in Egypt following renewed spate of attacks against Christians

Copyright: Roger Anis

14 July 2017

As a result of direct advice from Egyptian Security Services, Christian denominations have issued directives cancelling conferences and trips throughout July as a precautionary measure.

Since December 2016 there has been a renewed spate of targeted attacks on, and murders of Egyptian Christians, with a reported 117 Coptic Orthodox Christians murdered across the country in that period. This campaign began with the bombing of St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo in December 2016, and followed by Palm Sunday church bombings in Tanta and Alexandria, an attack on pilgrims visiting a monastery in Minya, and targeted attacks on individuals across Egypt.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, confirmed these reports, saying:

“Having communicated with colleagues in Cairo, it is obvious that the current campaign of terror against Christians is escalating rapidly. These measures have come after our community has experienced brutal attacks against innocent women, men and children across Egypt, and we pray will help to safeguard against future atrocities.

This unfortunate step comes at a time when children, young people and families will be deprived of the conferences and trips that they so look forward to over the summer period and have grown accustomed to over decades. Saying that however, it is of course more important, while recognising their huge disappointment, to do our best to ensure their safety.

Despite these measures, the ongoing liturgical and pastoral life of the Church will be maintained as she continues to provide daily support for her children.

Here in the United Kingdom, and around the world, we are praying peace and safety for all the people of Egypt at this increasingly challenging time. We also pray that the orchestrators and perpetrators of this deadly wave are rightly brought to justice, and reconciled with their intended God-given humane and merciful nature.”

*Ends*

Resources:

Number of Coptic Christians reportedly murdered in Egypt since December 2016

• December - February 2017 – 40 Christians killed in total in the bombing of St Peter’s Coptic Church in Cairo, and the targeting of individuals in Cairo and Sinai
• April 2017 – 43 Christians killed in Tanta and Alexandria church bombings
• May 2017 - Bus attack in Minya – 28 killed for refusing to recant their Christian Faith
• July 2017 – 6 Christian individuals murdered in their homes

Knights of Columbus Supreme Council makes donation to families of victims of the St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church bombing in Cairo, Egypt

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                Media and Communications Office

Knights of Columbus Supreme Council makes donation to families of victims of the St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church bombing in Cairo, Egypt

3 March 2017

Given the ongoing needs of those affected by the bombing of St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo on 11 December 2016, which claimed the lives of 29 people, mostly women and children, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council has donated $75,000 to support the families of victims.

Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson spoke to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, shortly after the bombing to arrange this support for the families and communities affected by the tragic event.

Speaking on behalf of Knights of Columbus, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said:

"The Knights of Columbus is honored to assist those affected by this terrible and tragic crime. Even long after events like those of December 11, the physical and emotional scars of such calamities continue to affect the victims, and it is our hope that these funds will help to heal those who have had to endure this assault. It is also our hope that this donation will highlight the solidarity we feel with our Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt. Their courage in persevering in the faith despite such attacks inspires us in our own faith, and while we are horrified by the attack, we are also deeply grateful for the Christian witness of forgiveness shown by those affected."

Commenting on the generous donation, His Grace Bishop Angaelos said:

“On behalf of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, and the Coptic Orthodox Church, we are very thankful for the generosity of Knights of Columbus, and grateful for our ongoing relationship with them. Having worked closely with Supreme Knight Anderson and The Knights of Columbus in March 2016 on the campaign to highlight the Genocide against Christians in the Middle East, we know that there is much that can be achieved when we stand together to witness for those persecuted around the world, whether in Egypt or elsewhere.”

*Ends*

Resources:

• Report on Genocide against Christians in the Middle East
  
• Knights of Columbus

For more information please contact:

• Knights of Columbus: Andrew T. Walther, Vice President, Communications and Strategic Planning, Andrew.Walther@Kofc.Org
  
• The Coptic Orthodox Church UK Communications Office: Angela Mikhail, Media@CopticCentre.com