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.

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Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos following the United States State Department declaration of Genocide for Christians, Yazidis, Shiite Muslims and other minorities in the Middle East

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 following the United States State Department declaration of Genocide for Christians, Yazidis, Shiite Muslims and other minorities in the Middle East

17 March 2016

We have received very welcomed but unexpected news today from the United States of America, through Secretary of State John Kerry, acknowledging that ISIS “is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control including Yazidis, Christians and Shiite Muslims".

This announcement has come after individuals and organisations in the United States, some of which I have personally worked with, have advocated tirelessly to shed light on this important issue of human suffering and the violation of human dignity.

Through this recognition, an important precedent has been set demonstrating that the international community has real concern for those who have suffered and continue to suffer under these conditions, and that we will work together to ensure, to the best of our ability, that these atrocities are not repeated. This also sends a very clear message to all those suffering: Yazidis, Christians, Shia and others, that we not only feel their pain, but that we stand together to recognise their suffering and support them in whatever way we can.

This is a significant step, that follows the European Parliament recognition of Genocide, that I hope will encourage Her Majesty’s Government to also recognise these unacceptable acts of Genocide against vulnerable communities in the Middle East.

Today is a day of thanksgiving; a day on which we recognise those who have worked tirelessly on this issue, and a day in which we remember those who continue to suffer. It is also a day in which we recognise the sanctity and dignity of God-given human life, and that the violation of either of these is a violation againts us all.

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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

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Resources:

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

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

Press Release: HH Pope Tawadros II consecrates bishops at The Grand Cathedral of St Mark, Cairo

Press Release

For immediate use

17 November 2013

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office 

The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118^th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, consecrated bishops to new responsibilities at the Grand Cathedral of St Mark on the weekend of 16 -17 November 2013.

At a Vespers service on the evening of Saturday 16 November, His Grace Bishop David was enthroned over the new diocese of New York and New England in the United States of America, and His Grace Bishop Selwanis was appointed abbot over the historic monastery of St Pakhomious near Luxor. At the Liturgical service on Sunday 17 November, Father Seraphim Al-Moharaqy was also consecrated as General Bishop for the diocese of Al Mahalah.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and a member of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who took part in the consecration prayers at the ceremony in Cairo said:

“I celebrate with, and congratulate, my brothers on the occasion of their ordination. The consecration of a bishop to oversee Al Mahalah at the same time as the establishment of the new diocese of New York and New England signifies the breadth of the ministry of the Coptic Orthodox Church and its care for its children both in Egypt and around the world. At the same time, the appointment of His Grace Bishop Selwanis illustrates the continuing importance of the monastic life at the heart of the Church.

The spirit of the faithful as they received the bishops in the Grand Cathedral today was one of jubilation and love; a testament to their resilience and strength of character as they continue to be strong in their Faith despite the challenges faced in past months. I pray for my brothers the bishops and those entrusted to their care, that God may continue to bless their shared ministry from this time on.”

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