Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos on the upcoming Genocide debate in the House of Commons

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 upcoming Genocide debate in the House of Commons

19 April 2016

With the recent welcomed recognition by the European Parliament and the United States Congress and Administration of ‘acts of genocide’ against Christians, Yazidis, and other minorities in Syria and Iraq, the upcoming House of Commons debate on this matter will be looked upon with anticipation by many.

As the issue of genocide is deliberated upon in light of the genuine suffering of vulnerable men, women and children, we pray wisdom upon all those taking part in the debate.

If the British Parliament recognises these violations as genocide, along with other parliamentary bodies around the world, this will allow an essential co-ordinated approach across the international community for the protection of the sanctity and dignity of God-given human life.

While appreciative of all that continues to be done around the world, including this upcoming debate, the solution at the heart of the issue is a realisation of the value of every life. This is why we not only pray for those who fall victim to these crimes, but for those who continue to carry them out, that there is a greater understanding of our shared humanity and the pain and loss that is caused to us all through the taking of any life.

*Ends*

HG Bishop Angaelos speaks at the Houses of Parliament regarding 'The characteristics of our British national identity'

On 27 January 2015 the Maranatha Community in the United Kingdom presented a statement in the Houses of Parliament regarding ‘The characteristics of our British national identity’. The meeting, chaired by Fiona Bruce MP, was attended by members of Parliament, various faith leaders and members of the public. The meeting was introduced by Dennis Wrigley, co-founder and co-leader of the Maranatha Community, who said the following:

“Our British values are firmly rooted in Judeo-Christian inheritance…it is not a question of making a Christian assertion but recognising what the historians have noted over centuries. Every man, woman and child is of value…These foundations if removed will lead to the collapse of our society.”

Presentations then followed from Phil Quenby who gave a historical perspective, John Scriven from a legal perspective, Edmund Matyjaszek as Headmaster, and His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom who spoke of the importance of the issue at this time in the life of our nation, and within the context of global events.

In speaking of the nature of British society, Bishop Angaelos said:

“It is not about declaring ourselves a Christian country, but continuing to be a country that embraces all according to the Christian origins of its laws and ideology.”

Commenting on the common misconception that Christianity is exclusive and alienating he went on to say:

“It is disconcerting that whenever Christians overtly live their faith and speak of Christian understanding and values, they are often perceived to be radicals who reject all others; yet this is certainly not the case. What we must remember as Christians however, is that in speaking prophetically and powerfully we must at the same time speak with sensitivity and empathy.”

In conclusion His Grace offered words of encouragement, saying:

“Through a realised, truly lived and visible unity as Christians, we must work within our complex societies and through obstacles set before us to always give a reason for the hope that is in us.”

After the presentations speakers took questions from the floor, and Dennis Wrigley concluded with the following aims:

“The need for a recognition of a set of values is desperately and urgently needed before the general election…the time has now come for Christians to define how human love and human kindness in the name of Jesus operates…there is hope when we reaffirm our values.”

After the meeting the statement was delivered to 10 Downing Street for the Rt. Hon. David Cameron as well as to Buckingham Palace for Her Majesty the Queen.

 A copy of the statement is available here.

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos delivers address at the Houses of Parliament regarding the current situation in Egypt since the 2011 uprising

Press Release

For immediate use

19 March 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office 

On 17 March 2014 His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom delivered an address at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, arranged by the Conservative Party’s Middle East and North Africa Group (MENA) regarding the current situation in Egypt since the 2011 uprising.

Addressing an audience comprised of specialists, analysts and enthusiasts with an interest in Egypt and the wider Middle East, Bishop Angaelos highlighted the resilient nature of Egypt’s citizens, and the challenges faced in light of the recent uprisings.

Speaking of proactive steps towards reconciliation and rebuilding Egypt, he said:

 “Reconciliation must happen through pragmatic and intentional leadership; bringing people together. These efforts will then instil a sense of unity, cohesion and national identity so that people no longer focus on one’s religion, but see the Egyptian in the other...It is only then that we can begin to advocate for one another.”

Addressing the misconception that issues in Egypt arise primarily due to a Muslim Christian divide, he said:

“This is about advocating for all; about unity, individual identity, and the importance of that individual as a member of a nation state.”

Raising awareness to the impact of the recent uprisings on Christian and minority communities in Egypt, as well as the state of polarisation affecting the nation, Bishop Angaelos highlighted the increasing levels of poverty and illiteracy, the decline in foreign investment and tourism, the increasing levels of harassment against women, and increasing unemployment.

He went on to provide his optimistic outlook for Egypt and the way ahead however, saying:

“On the 30 June when people took to the streets, they were Christian and Muslim, secular and religious, man and woman, young and old; the whole of society…There is only one way ahead and that is reconciliation, there is no other way. People must live side by side and there must be healing.”

During the course of his address Bishop Angaelos also said:

“We are all held in the hands of a God Who is much more mighty than anyone who tries to create harm….We are confident, through His graciousness, love and vigilance over His whole creation, that God has a solution for Egypt.” 

Among those in attendance were the Chairman and Officers of the MENA Group, Parliamentary Member Mark Field and other representatives of the Conservative Party.