Statement by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, on Human Rights Day 2020

 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office 

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
        Media and Communications Office

Statement by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, 
Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London
on Human Rights Day 2020

10 December 2020

As we commemorate Human Rights Day this year while experiencing the devastation of a global pandemic, we are ever more conscious of the importance of human relations and interaction, and the value of every human being. While Covid-19 has indeed affected the whole world, it has increasingly come to light that when tragedies or challenges befall individuals and communities, those who are already vulnerable, marginalised, discriminated against, and/or oppressed, are impacted disproportionately to a much greater extent. Sadly, these same individuals and communities tend to be deprived of the provisions and safeguards ensured by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights[1], a document adopted by the United Nations in 1948 affirming the inalienable equal rights of everyone, everywhere.

This year in Britain we have been placed in a position in which we can directly empathise with so many around the world whose ongoing reality encompasses the challenges of poverty, inequality, restrictions on public worship, financial instability, the inaccessibility of education, and so much more. We have become familiar, first-hand and for the first time in over a century, with child poverty and child food poverty, something no society should endure or tolerate. While we are becoming more aware of these vulnerabilities within pockets of our own societies, we must remember what it is to put ourselves in the place of those who are enduring these hardships on a daily basis as part of their daily reality, and feel their pain as we do all we can to alleviate it.

Human Rights Day is another reminder of the equal value we have before God, Who has provided us all with His image and likeness, indiscriminately and without exception. It is also a reminder that we are entrusted with the protection of human dignity and the value of human life that He has provided for each and every one of us. Where we see injustice in the application, or lack thereof, of those rights, we must voice concern, advocate for, and stand by, those whose rights are denied, remembering the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer that “not to speak is to speak, and not to act is to act”. When we stand for one another’s rights, we stand for our own.

We have seen such wonderful acts of compassion, solidarity, and comradery during the pandemic here in Britain and around the world, sometimes from unexpected places. We have also seen and continue to witness selfless acts of bravery, courage and kindness from individuals and groups in a variety of sectors, and that is the spirit of a diverse humanity working in harmony. That is the spirit that the world needs, and is the spirit of Human Rights Day; to ensure kindness, respect and dignity for all, even those beyond the reach of our immediate environments.

Today and every day we pray for our world and for every one of its members, all of whom stand equal before God, and are equally deserving to be seen and catered for by humankind. We also pray for human rights defenders and advocates who are often in the most dangerous parts of the world, and continue to be the voice and hope of those for whom they courageously and selflessly stand.

The sentiments of equality are not merely philosophical, but must be translated into meaningful terms and realised action. This year has taught us that the vulnerability of any individual or nation adds to our own corporate vulnerability, and so in acknowledging and safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of others, we play our part in doing so for the whole world.

*Ends*

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[1] https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/

 

Human Rights Day 2016: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos

Human Rights Day 2016

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop
of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

10 December 2016

As another year draws to a close and we mark Human Rights Day 2016, the importance of the sanctity of every human life remains challenged in far too many places in our world. This is despite various charters and conventions put in place to safeguard the lives of all. While humanity is seen to be rapidly advancing in many areas we are, as a global community, guilty of neglecting and even forsaking basic God-given rights and freedoms which were bestowed indiscriminately upon all; rights that must continue to underpin our values and choices if we seek to preserve justice, peace and freedom.

Human Rights Day commemorates the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights[1] in 1948, which set out to provide a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations to be universally protected.

Among the various safeguards outlined in the Charter, yet clearly still violated across our world today, is Article 3, which states: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” This is sadly in stark contrast to the way in which many are forced to exist in parts of our world. Likewise, Article 14 outlines that “Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution,” a right now threatened by vast global displacement that has in part resulted from the overlooking of gross human rights violations over decades against those who now seek refuge. On the matter of Religious Freedom in particular, Article 18, a right still grossly violated in many countries states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion…either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” This of course is starkly different from the reality that 5.3 billion people, representing 76% of the world’s population, live in countries with a high or very high level of restrictions on religion[2]. Other articles within the Charter deal with education, legal representation, quality of life, and other key issues, yet how many of the countries that subscribe to this charter truly abide by it in its entirety?

We should not forget however, that so many within the religious, civic and political spheres work tirelessly to advocate for the protection of these basic human rights, and their efforts must be supported and praised. We owe a great debt of gratitude to countless religious leaders, advocates, lawyers, politicians, healthcare professionals, aid workers, volunteers, and so many more who risk their lives for the sake of others.

Whether speaking of religious freedom, freedom of thought or conscience, asylum, education or any other right outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we must realise that all of these rights are fundamental, as without them we allow for inequality, injustice, marginalisation, and oppression. We must also remember that to protect the rights of others is to protect our own.

Remembering that there is a foundation for our actions that pre-exists this and similar charters, the Christian message calls us to live as the image and likeness of God, and if we are to do so faithfully, the Scriptures provide a model for us to follow in the way that He Himself has dealt with humanity, saying “He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18).

We pray that those who work tirelessly to safeguard the rights of others are supported in their continuing and faithful work, and that more commit to the active promotion and safeguarding of these basic human rights that protect us all. We also pray for all those deprived of their basic human rights across our global community, that they find comfort and peace, knowing that many around the world still work tirelessly to alleviate their pain.

*Ends*

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[1] www.UN.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights

[2] www.FreedomDeclared.org/Facts

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos on International Human Rights Day 2015

International Human Rights Day 2015

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of
 the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom

10 December 2015

As the world marks yet another Human Rights Day, it has become evident that the past 12 months have proven the need for such a focus and cause to continue to be championed. It would have been welcomed to see those whose rights were violated to have experienced greater freedom, empowerment, prosperity, dignity and safety, yet what has unfolded for many around the world is quite the opposite. We have seen innocent people displaced, tortured, sold into slavery, beheaded and even burned alive, for trying to live the freedom for which they were created.

It may seem simple to perpetrators to violate the rights of those whom they see as less deserving, less entitled, or indeed less human. Until the right of every person to share equally in the gracious gift of life and the appreciation of the sanctity of that life is recognised, these violations will continue, and even be justified, by those who see themselves entitled to determine who does and does not have a right to live, where, and under what conditions.

It is worth stressing that freedom is a right given to all to be experienced individually within a given context, and that context is dependent upon an understanding of self within a cultural identity. What we sometimes see however is some who see themselves as human rights champions and campaigners, imposing their own understanding of freedom upon others, and when their attempts are unsuccessful it is deemed to be the fault of those who could not embrace them. 

In  advocating for, and protecting, the great conventions that safeguard human rights, we must therefore not be prescriptive, or distracted from the fact that protecting those rights should actually be a baseline of our conviction, and realise that people are not only entitled to those rights, but to live with dignity and in a state of safety and security. 

Having said that, we must pay tribute to the immensely valuable and courageous work being done by so many around the world at a great cost to themselves. Advocates, lawyers, politicians, healthcare professionals, aid workers, volunteers and so many more go to great lengths and are subjected to great risks purely for the sake of others. Within a Christian context, they show that there is “no greater love than to lay down one’s life” for another (John 15:3); sometimes quite literally.  These individuals strive tirelessly to uphold principles that are core to our communities, but for many remain a distant dream.

In that same spirit, we all now have an opportunity to exhibit this same humaneness and charity by assisting and even welcoming the many thousands who are displaced and seeking refuge, who are not mere statistics or a phenomenon, but are human beings fleeing conflict and seeking basic human rights and dignity.

Today, we pray particularly for those whose rights to life and dignity continue to be violated, for those who advocate for and serve them, and for those whose hearts are moved to be a vehicle for the provision of support for these many who are deprived of the God-given rights granted to all but enjoyed by so few. 

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos on Human Rights Day 2014

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on Human Rights Day 2014

As the world marks human rights day and celebrates the freedom that is experienced by many, it remains the responsibility of us all, especially those in positions of influence, to advocate for those for whom those fundamental rights are still violated.

As Christians we believe that God has given humanity the respect and freedom to choose and live its faith, and this right is further enshrined in international treaties and agreements such as the Universal Declaration of Human rights. It is unfortunate therefore to acknowledge that an unacceptably large proportion of the world’s population continues to suffer human rights violations and lives without these freedoms.

Guarding basic human rights for all must be taken seriously. In Scripture[1] we are reminded to speak for truth, justice and peace; this is both a responsibility and an obligation. As individuals we should advocate for those who suffer gross violations of their basic human rights, but when our efforts are expressed in unity and solidarity with people across denominations and faiths then they are far more powerful and effective for all.

As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, we must remember those less fortunate or free than ourselves, and continue to encourage and support those who find themselves displaced, homeless, or at great risk, reminding them that they are not forgotten.

We pray for those deprived of their basic human rights across the world, as well as for continued strength to those who advocate for them, confident that those prayers and the cries of all who call upon Him are heard, reminded that “I have surely seen the oppression of My people…and have heard their cry…for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7).

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[1] The Holy Bible, Zechariah 8:16, NKJV

*Ends*

Resources:
Human Rights Day 10 December 2013: HG Bishop Angaelos Testimony at US Congressional Hearing re Human Rights Abuses in Egypt. Watch HERE

Follow His Grace Bishop Angaelos on Twitter @BishopAngaelos

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[1] The Holy Bible, Zechariah 8:16, NKJV

Press Release: His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom testified at a Congressional Hearing on ‘Human Rights Abuses in Egypt’ in Washington DC on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

10 December 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom testified at a Congressional Hearing on ‘Human Rights Abuses in Egypt’ in Washington DC on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013. 

    

Addressing the congressional panel with four other witnesses, during a Joint Subcommittee Hearing comprised of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organisations, and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Bishop Angaelos underlined the nature and unprecedented level of violence and attacks against minority groups in Egypt pre and post 2011 uprising.

Highlighting a number of incidents occurring in recent months and years, he spoke of the increased incitement that led to the burning, demolition, and attacks on scores of churches, the kidnapping of Christian girls, restrictions on the choice or expression of faith, and the increasing violent attacks resulting in loss of life, and the displacement and destruction of property over decades.

Speaking on behalf of all minorities Bishop Angaelos said:

“I do not only speak as a Christian, because that would be very un-Christian of me. We speak as Christians for everyone, and our view of human rights is for a human rights perspective that covers every person.”

Saying the following regarding the political situation in Egypt:

“What we need to address at the moment are issues of illiteracy and poverty that make constituents vulnerable when they vote and are manipulated, either financially, or in terms of ideology, and of course religion becomes a part of that. What we also need is foreign investment and tourism to bolster the economy and enable people to sustain their families and communities.”

In conclusion, Bishop Angaelos spoke of Christians in Egypt as those who remain loyal to, and take pride in, their indigenous homeland despite the various challenges faced, saying:

“We speak as Christians with hope, and we have faced persecution far greater than this. We are still there as the largest Christian denomination in the Middle East and as the last actual bastion of Christian presence in the region.”

Shortly after the hearing, and in commenting further on the state of minorities in Egypt, Bishop Angaelos said:

“While we do not seek to place blame on the current leadership, it is evident that over the past decades there has been little done to ensure that these violent acts do not reoccur. Since the uprising, and due to a decrease in law and order resulting from the turbulent period under the rule of Mr Mohammed Morsi, there have been increasing challenges facing Christian and minority groups in Egypt. Having said that, and in looking to the future, we continue to support the current process of rebuilding Egypt with a new constitution and ethos, and support the whole community as it calls for change.

We pray, that with the good intention of all to move past these challenging times in Egypt’s history, the implementation of equality before the law will ensure that Egypt becomes a better place for all citizens on the basis that they are Egyptian before anything else, whether they are the numeric majority or minority, man or woman, young or old, secular or religious, Bahá’i, Christian or Muslim.”

Testifying alongside Bishop Angaelos, Mr Samuel Tadros, Research Fellow at Hudson Institute’s Centre for Religious Freedom said:

“In order to prevent recurring attacks there must be a process put in place to identify the most vulnerable villages in Egypt that are likely to experience attacks. The Egyptian government should be urged to implement this and the United States may be able to provide resources to help with that process. The Egyptian police also need a security protocol to deal with mob violence and should establish a crisis office within the Egyptian presidency to deal specifically with that issue, as well as the development of a rapid response unit. We also need reform in the legal system, and localised reward and punishment system.”

Other witnesses included:

Zuhdi Jasser, M.D. Vice Chair, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Morad Abou-Sabe, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University         
Mr. Tad Stahnke, Director of Policy and Programs, Human Rights First

*Ends*

Resources:

·         Watch the Hearing here: http://1.usa.gov/18P78qK

·         Transcript and Copy of Testimony submitted to Congress available upon request.

·         Statement by Bishop Angaelos, highlighting the increasing incitement and violence threatening and claiming the lives of Christians in Egypt. http://bit.ly/1cn7eBf

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos will testify at a Congressional Hearing on 'Human Rights Abuses in Egypt' on 10 December 2013

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

9 December 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

On 10 December 2013, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom will testify at a Congressional Hearing in Washington DC on ‘Human Rights Abuses in Egypt’ during a Joint Subcommittee Hearing comprised of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.

At 9am EST on 10 December, also deemed Human Rights Day, Bishop Angaelos and four other witnesses, will highlight the severity and frequency of human rights abuses facing Christians and minority groups in Egypt both pre and post 2011 uprising.

Bishop Angaelos will also identify the increased persecution of religious minorities over the past decades as made manifest in process and policy, which has translated into dealings with citizens on unequal grounds, inevitably resulting in greater division and marginalisation.

Alongside Bishop Angaelos, witnesses include:

Zuhdi Jasser, M.D. Vice Chair, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Mr. Samuel Tadros, Research Fellow, Centre for Religious Freedom, Hudson Institute

Morad Abou-Sabe, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University         
Mr. Tad Stahnke, Director of Policy and Programs, Human Rights First

*Ends*

Resources:

Live Feed from Congress available here: http://1.usa.gov/1bRPvqK

House Committee on Foreign Affairs: http://1.usa.gov/18P78qK