Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Unprecedented
meeting of Orthodox and Pentecostal Church leaders at The Coptic Orthodox Church
Centre
As part of a Churches Together
in England (CTE) initiative, The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United
Kingdom hosted an unprecedented meeting of Orthodox and Pentecostal Church
leaders on 6 June 2016. The fraternal meeting, which aimed to build relationships, as well as
discuss the issues of the persecuted Church and mission, was facilitated by His
Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the
United Kingdom, Bishop Dr Eric Brown, Pentecostal President of CTE, and Bishop
in the New Testament Church of God, and The Very Revd Archpriest Maxim Nikolsky
of the Russian Orthodox Church.
In
his welcome, Bishop Angaelos, stated the importance of the common witness of
the Christian family regardless of differences of expression and denomination,
saying:
“There
is such value in collaboration, and this historic meeting is the first of its
kind in England, the United Kingdom, and possibly worldwide. While we all come
from our particular backgrounds and theological understanding, today is a day
to build bridges and to strengthen them.”
Going
on to comment on the persecuted Church, he said:
“In
seeing the persecution of our brothers and sisters around the world, and in
speaking about mission, we must recognise that this is a time, more than ever,
for us to stand together. We must continue to be advocates for all who are
persecuted regardless of their faith or ethnicity. As countless thousands
continue to be persecuted for their Faith, we must speak out when there is
injustice, following the example of Christ, the Chief Advocate, Who came to
indiscriminately provide hope and salvation for all humanity.”
During
the morning session Bishop Eric Brown said:
“Today
is a historic day, it is the coming together of the Pentecostals and Orthodox
in this country, and essentially we are seeking ways in which we can jointly
lift up the name of Jesus and to make Him known in a more powerful way in this
nation. Hopefully we can get some consensus as to how we might address the
issue of persecuted Christians worldwide.”
Bishop
Dr Joe Aldred who works primarily with Pentecostal Churches in CTE, and who was
the instigator of this meeting, said:
“Today
marks a momentous and significant meeting point and a beginning I hope of a
lasting fellowship and friendship between leaders. I hope that we can develop a
better understanding of what Christians around the world are experiencing, and continue
to dialogue and take action where possible together. The other strand of this
meeting is mission, and how that mission of Christ in England is better done
together than apart.”
Father
Maxim Nikolsky said:
“It is
important to meet people who certainly share much in common; to meet, to
understand some of their way of thinking, and to see what it is that is common
to us."
When
asked about the persecuted Church, he continued:
“That
is a very important topic especially in the modern day, and we need to see if
there is anything that can be done on a personal level, and as a community. We
read and deliberate on the subject, but we must look at what we can really do
to help our fellow Christians, and all who are persecuted for their faith.”
As part of the closing session
a discussion was held on ways to collaboratively tackle national and
international issues of concern, including religious freedom in England, and the
Middle East. It was agreed to establish a working group to develop partnership
in fellowship and actions, and a provisional time was set for the next meeting
of the group.
*Ends*
For
more information please contact:
