Tuesday, 29 November 2016
HG Bishop Angaelos speaks outside Coptic Cathedral of Saint George for #RedWednesday
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos on International Religious Freedom Day 2016
 |
| Copyright:Photograph by Roger Anis |
Statement
by
His Grace
Bishop Angaelos
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church
in the United Kingdom
International
Religious Freedom Day 2016
27 October 2016
As we mark International Religious Freedom Day, it is becoming more
apparent that the Freedom of Religion or Belief is not only desirable, but
fundamental to our ability as humanity to peacefully co-exist, and live with
God-given dignity irrespective of our religious or non-religious convictions.
Regardless of what many may want to believe, religion is not only hugely
significant, but fundamentally core to the vast majority of the world’s
population. Accordingly, the opportunity to have and practice one’s religion
unencumbered, and without imposition on others, is a right that must be
protected for all those who believe and practice peacefully and faithfully.
Our world is struggling to promote, and indeed maintain, God-given
freedoms that have been enshrined in numerous international charters and
conventions for decades, such as Article 18 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a result we continue to witness violations
against communities around the globe, and for that reason it is now that governments,
faith leaders, civil society, NGOs and all in positions of leadership or
influence must stand together in solidarity to address the problems that threaten
further violations against the most vulnerable, and lead to the destabilisation
of our global community.
Collaboration remains our best tool in combatting intolerance and
injustice, and providing hope at a time when fear, anxiety and hopelessness are
increasingly overtaking our general state of being and perspective.
The Christian message is one of hope, and at these times of seemingly
increasing darkness, that Gospel message of hope and promise is most needed. God
has graciously and indiscriminately bestowed humanity with the freedom to
choose or reject Him, and did not make His image and likeness, the right to
dignity or the basic right to exist, conditional upon choosing Him. It is upon
that foundation that we must accept one another’s diversity, and advocate for
all who are denied the right and freedom to practice their chosen faith, or
none.
The oppression and persecution of religious minorities across the
Middle East and beyond has unfortunately become an all-too-familiar occurrence.
As a result, many have become either desensitised or disheartened by the
ongoing struggle. We must not lose heart however, but take opportunities such
as today, to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, to advocate
for those who find themselves without a champion, and to challenge all who seek
to justify injustice. Following in the footsteps of our Lord, we must
endeavour, to the best of our ability, to “proclaim liberty to the captives…recovery
of sight to the blind…[and] set at liberty those who
are oppressed…” (Luke 4:18).
Each and every one of us can make a difference, so let us take the opportunity
on International Religious Freedom Day to work in whatever capacity we can to
safeguard the basic God-given rights and freedoms of those we encounter on a
daily basis, and those we see suffering from afar. When we advocate for others
we inevitably advocate for the whole of humanity, ourselves and our own
included.
Trusting in the faithfulness of our heavenly Father, we pray that
He continues to use all who are willing to spread the message of hope, light,
forgiveness, and peace to those who are so desperately in need of it in our
world today.
*Ends*
Tuesday, 25 October 2016
Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos delivers address during historic Foreign Commonwealth Office conference highlighting importance of Freedom of Religion or Belief
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
HG Bishop Angaelos delivers address during
historic Foreign Commonwealth Office conference highlighting importance of Freedom
of Religion or Belief
25 October 2016
The Foreign Commonwealth
Office (FCO) hosted a ground-breaking 2-day summit 19-20 October which brought
together more than 50 expert speakers, including His Grace Bishop Angaelos, and
over 170 participants from 38 countries, to explore how the promotion of Freedom
of Religion or Belief (FoRB) can help prevent violent extremism.
In
the opening address during the conference, FCO Minister for Human Rights, The
Rt Hon. the Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE, said:
“Freedom
of Religion or Belief is fundamental to a successful society. It builds
resilience against the prejudice, discrimination and persecution that not only
prevents a society from achieving its full economic potential but also leaves
it vulnerable to extremism.
That is why it is so important that we work together now to put freedom of religion or belief at the heart of our effort to prevent violent extremism.”
That is why it is so important that we work together now to put freedom of religion or belief at the heart of our effort to prevent violent extremism.”
In
his address, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the United Kingdom, said:
“It is time for us to rethink the dynamic and the way
in which we communicate because the world is no longer a place in which
politicians, religious leaders, civil society, and NGOs should function
separately. Nor is it a place that can allow for any nationalist agenda to override
the human right. We all need to work in collaboration to present a nuanced
understanding of who we are as today’s international community.”
Highlighting the importance of
respecting people of all faiths and none, Bishop Angaelos continued:
“We cannot speak of regions as being religious. A
religion is something that we live by and does not define geographic borders. We
must also push beyond the understanding of tolerance, because as a Christian, I
cannot accept ‘tolerance’ as my benchmark; the Scriptures actually call us to
love, respect, honour, and forgive indiscriminately. As religious leaders we
need to support one another in advocating for people of faith and, indeed, of
no faith.”
Following the FCO conference,
over 100 participants joined the Coptic community at the annual Nayrouz service
in St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey on 20 October 2016. FoRB was highlighted
during the sermon by Bishop Angaelos and messages received from His Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales, Prime Minister Theresa May, and the Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Archbishop
of Canterbury. Issues of FoRB were also raised in addresses delivered by HE Ambassador David Saperstein, USA Ambassador-at-Large for International
Religious Freedom, The Lord Alton
of Liverpool, HE Ambassador Nasser Kamel, Ambassador of the Arab Republic
of Egypt to the United Kingdom, and The Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, Parliamentary Under
Secretary of State for Wales and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for
Communities. [Read
full report containing quotes and photographs HERE].
In 2015 Bishop Angaelos was
conferred the honour of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire for ‘Services to International Religious Freedom’ by Her Majesty The
Queen.
*Ends*
Monday, 24 October 2016
Press Release: Press Release: Messages from HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury received as religious freedom is highlighted in annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at Westminster Abbey
Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Press Release: Messages from HRH The Prince of
Wales, the Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury received as religious
freedom is highlighted in annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at
Westminster Abbey
24
October 2016
Messages were received from HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister
and the Archbishop of Canterbury as religious freedom was highlighted at the
annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey. Addresses were also delivered by HE Ambassador David Saperstein, The
Lord Alton of Liverpool, HE Ambassador Nasser Kamel and The Lord Bourne of
Aberystwyth. [Read
full report including quotes and photographs here]
Joining members of the Coptic community at
the service were members of the House of Lords, House of Commons, the
Diplomatic Corps, the Foreign Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, humanitarian
and advocacy organisations, and various ecumenical, inter-religious guests. The
service commenced with a welcome by the Reverend Canon Jane Sinclair, Canon of
Westminster & Rector of St Margaret’s.
In his sermon, His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:
“It has undoubtedly been a challenging year with the referendum, news of
wars, oppression, homelessness, displacement, and presidential elections; there
is so much to destabilise us, but what is our core? Our core is our Faith; the
Good News.”
“How can I stay silent in seeing the oppression of others when I have
tasted that bitterness and seen that affliction and persecution. We have all
suffered in our own ways and so therefore we are all mandated to speak out for
others in our own ways.”
“Today as we start this year, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon us’; we
are anointed, mandated and sent into this world as hope, light and promise. It
is God in us Who enables us to do this, and so today we really do stand
together in this sacred place, with the saints, in unity of heart. Let nothing
take that away from us, and let nothing defeat that spirit that allows us to
defeat all that seeks to silence us.”
Following prayers
for the persecuted and martyrs of the Christian Faith, a message from His Royal
Highness The Prince of Wales was read by The Right Reverend Geoffrey Rowell and
Mr Jonathan Hellewell LVO, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister read a message
from The Right Honourable Theresa May, Prime Minister.
In a message addressed to
Bishop Angaelos from The Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Archbishop of
Canterbury, read by The Right Reverend Nigel Stock, Bishop at
Lambeth, he said:
“Your community is a suffering community. Who can forget those young men
so brutally murdered in Libya, or what your Church must endure from time to
time in your homeland. Yet you speak of the forgiveness of Christ and look
always for that which helps the peace of God be known.”
Prior
to the service, the Foreign Commonwealth Office hosted a ground-breaking 2-day
summit from 19-20 October which brought together more than 50 expert speakers,
including His Grace Bishop Angaelos, and over 170 participants from 38
countries, to explore how Freedom of Religion or Belief can help prevent
violent extremism and identify opportunities to work together. Over 100 of
those participants joined the Coptic community at the annual Nayrouz service in
St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey on 20 October 2016.
*Ends*
Report: Messages from HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury received as religious freedom is highlighted in annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at Westminster Abbey.
Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Report
Messages from HRH The Prince of Wales, the
Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury received as religious freedom
is highlighted in annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at Westminster
Abbey.
24
October 2016
Messages were received from HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister
and the Archbishop of Canterbury as religious freedom was highlighted at the
annual Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Service at St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey. Addresses were also
delivered by HE Ambassador David Saperstein, The Lord Alton of Liverpool, HE
Ambassador Nasser Kamel and The Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth.
Joining members of the Coptic community at the
service were members of the House of Lords, House of Commons, the Diplomatic
Corps, the Foreign Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, humanitarian and
advocacy organisations, and various ecumenical, inter-religious guests. The
service commenced with a welcome by the Reverend Canon Jane Sinclair, Canon of
Westminster & Rector of St Margaret’s.
In his sermon, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General
Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:
“The Gospel reading
today reminds us that we have a responsibility to proclaim the good news, to
set captives free and to be light and sight to those who may live in darkness
and blindness, whether because of their own doing, or because of the imposition
of others. That is our calling and how we are meant to live as Christians.”
“…we must reclaim
the narrative itself, for the narrative is good and gracious. It is actually
the counter-narrative that works against our humanity. Once we declare our
efforts as the counter-narrative then the norm is defined as evil, conflict,
destruction, death and oppression.”
“It has undoubtedly
been a challenging year with the referendum, news of wars, oppression, homelessness,
displacement, and presidential elections; there is so much to destabilise us,
but what is our core? Our core is our Faith; the Good News.”
“We are graced and blessed
by many non-Christians at this service, and it does not shame or embarrass me
to tell you that my Faith gives me joy, because this joy that I have is meant
to be shared with you…just as your joy becomes mine.”
“I am a Christian, and
by the grace of God I will remain a Christian and I rejoice in my message and
in my Faith, and that surely is a right that I must be able to enjoy regardless
of the fact that there are many who are not Christians, and they too rejoice in
their faith. That is the spirit and humanity we are aiming for, a humanity that
rejoices in, celebrates, edifies and protects all.”
“How can I stay silent
in seeing the oppression of others when I have tasted that bitterness and seen
that affliction and persecution. We have all suffered in our own ways and so
therefore we are all mandated to speak out for others in our own ways.”
“Today as we start this
year, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon us’; we are anointed, mandated and sent
into this world as hope, light and promise. It is God in us Who enables us to
do this, and so today we really do stand together in this sacred place, with the
saints, in unity of heart. Let nothing take that away from us, and let nothing
defeat that spirit that allows us to defeat all that seeks to silence us.”
Following prayers for the
persecuted and martyrs of the Christian Faith, a message from His Royal Highness
The Prince of Wales was read by The Right Reverend Geoffrey Rowell and Mr
Jonathan Hellewell LVO, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister read a message
from The Right Honourable
Theresa May, Prime Minister.
In a message addressed to
Bishop Angaelos from The Most Rev. and the Rt Hon. the Archbishop of
Canterbury, read by The Right Reverend Nigel Stock, Bishop at
Lambeth, he said:
“Your community is a
suffering community. Who can forget those young men so brutally murdered in
Libya, or what your Church must endure from time to time in your homeland. Yet
you speak of the forgiveness of Christ and look always for that which helps the
peace of God be known.”
“Thank you for your
friendship in the gatherings of Church leaders of this country and your willingness
to be so constructive in relationships between Churches.”
“I hope and pray that
we can increase the love and understanding between our churches that we may
draw nearer to our Lord’s desire that ‘all may be one’.”
Following the messages, an address was given by
HE Ambassador David Saperstein, USA Ambassador-at-Large for
International Religious Freedom, who said:
“Amongst many of the
worshippers who are here this evening are a number of experts in and advocates
of religious freedom who gathered at a conference on Freedom of Religion or
Belief, sponsored by the Foreign Office and it is fitting that at the
conclusion many chose to be part of this congregation. That the Coptic calendar
is dated from Diocletian’s reign, when precisely it was because under his rule
that Egypt’s Christians suffered the most severe persecution speaks directly to
the cause of all of us who care about religious freedom.”
“Given many of the
violations of religious freedom that we see in the world today, they are
structural, systemic, long-standing, and we must acknowledge that there are few
quick-fix solutions to these entrenched challenges. This struggle is about
changing people’s minds, changing people’s hearts, working to convince governments,
leaders, citizens, that their societies will become more stable, prosperous and
successful by ensuring equality and full inclusion for members of all religious
communities including minority religious communities.”
“As we commemorate this
New Year…let us all make the pledge to make real the dream and hope of freedom
not only for the Coptic community, for all, to all the religiously oppressed in
every land who live in fear, afraid to speak of what they believe in…this call
for the New Year calls us to be a beacon of hope and light, of equality and
justice of a future filled with true freedom.”
The Lord Alton of Liverpool commented on the
historic role that Egypt played in providing refuge to those fleeing religious
persecution, saying:
“Egypt had been home to Jesus Himself, after
his refugee family fled the slaughter of the holy innocents and found a safe
and secure home in a welcoming Egypt: surely a story with significance for
these troubled times.”
“If such deaths are to mean anything, we who
are drawn from our different faiths and traditions must faithfully rededicate
ourselves to work for the universal freedom of religion or belief that is set
out in article 18 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. That is
surely the inspiration that we should take away from this beautiful Nayrouz
service and from a two-day [FCO] conference that we have just been reminded
about.”
HE Ambassador Nasser Kamel, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to
the United Kingdom, said in his address:
“It is indeed an
honour for me to participate today as the Ambassador of Egypt in our
commemoration and celebration of the Coptic Feast of Nayrouz, to honour all
those who have sacrificed so much, including their lives, for their Faith.
Their courage and unwavering dedication to their Faith in the face of
oppression and tyranny continue to serve as an example to humanity.”
“We are indeed
indebted to the martyrs of Egypt, they shone as beacons of light and gave the
people strength in their Faith.”
“From this great
church, this place of worship, I want to stress that peace and harmony, and
most importantly co-existence, should be the guiding value of any civilised
society.”
“We are also proud as
Egyptians that Egypt has the largest Christian community in the Middle East,
and we intend to keep on working to create and enhance a conducive environment
for all Egyptians to prosper and reach their full potential regardless of their
faith, and we hope that those who insist on building walls or spreading a
culture of fear in the Middle East, or beyond, will come to understand that our
only hope as humans is to live together in peace and harmony.”
The Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
for Wales and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities, said:
“We are also here to reflect on those who do not share the same freedom of religion and belief as we do here. The Coptic Christian Faith has, as His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has said, much to teach us about the power of turning the other cheek even during immense suffering.”
“His Grace [Bishop Angaelos] through his tireless work has also reminded
us that we, who do have a voice, must use it for those who cannot use theirs.
These are troubling times, with so much suffering and it’s easy to feel
helpless but each of us can make a difference, can change lives. Little deeds
can lead to great moments.”
“Tonight we have been reminded that many around the world face
persecution and death simply for having a different faith. It would be easy for
us to see this simply as an international problem, a problem for others, but it
would be naïve and a great mistake for us to assume that the international
stays international. Our communities here do not live in isolation from events
abroad and sadly prejudices and fears do not stop at borders.”
“As the Integration and Faith Minister, I am committed to improving our
communities, to ensuring that bridges are built between communities and that
this is a country for everyone. I make that oath to you tonight and ask you to
join me in committing to fight to ensure that marginalised voices are heard and
that people can follow their faith or belief free from fear, no matter where
they live.”
Prior to the service, the
Foreign Commonwealth Office hosted a ground-breaking 2-day summit from 19-20
October which brought together more than 50 expert speakers, including His
Grace Bishop Angaelos, and over 170 participants from 38 countries, to explore
how Freedom of Religion or Belief can help prevent violent extremism and
identify opportunities to work together. Over 100 of those participants joined
the Coptic community at the annual Nayrouz service in St Margaret’s,
Westminster Abbey on 20 October 2016.
Thursday, 15 September 2016
Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos attends Freedom of Religion or Belief High Level Conference in Berlin, opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and
Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox
Church (Europe)
Media
and Communications Office
HG
Bishop Angaelos attends Freedom of Religion or Belief High Level Conference in
Berlin, opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel
15
September 2016
The Second International Parliamentarians’ Conference, organised by
the German CDU/CSU party, took place from 12-13 September 2016 in Berlin, and
brought together over 100 members of parliament from 60 countries to discuss
the advancement of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) around the world.
The Parliamentarians’ conference was followed by a High Level
Conference in the German Bundestag, with participants including members of
parliament, leading academic figures, religious leaders, including His Grace
Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United
Kingdom, and members of the public. The German Chancellor, Dr Angela
Merkel, gave the welcome address, in which she spoke of the importance of
parliamentarians continuing to champion FoRB in all the countries that they
represent.
Throughout the conference, speakers highlighted that the need to
address FoRB violations that increasingly occur due to the rise of religious extremism,
intolerance, and violence across many parts of the world was a global
responsibility, also pointing to the positive role that religion can play in
promoting social cohesion where intolerance has led to division within
communities.
Speaking
from Berlin, Bishop Angaelos said:
“I am
attending this conference as a religious leader because I feel that freedom of
religion or belief is an issue that is important for all, whether it concerns
Christians or anyone else. Religious freedom is a God-given right that we as
people of faith must always advocate for, because it intrinsically protects the
freedom and dignity which God desires for all humanity indiscriminately as His
creation.
While
listening to all those who have spoken today it is becoming more and more
evident that the breadth and complexity of this issue is one that challenges us
all, and requires our collective energy and effort to continue to shed a light
of hope in what sometimes appears to be overwhelming darkness.
We must actively and prayerfully continue to support every
effort that represents and speaks for those deprived of the right to speak for
themselves.”
*Ends*
Resources:
Full
programme with a list of speakers available here
More
information via www.IPPFoRB.com
Friday, 2 September 2016
Press Release: Lord Bourne meets with HG Bishop Angaelos to discuss the engagement of faith leaders with the Department for Communities and Local Government
Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Lord Bourne meets with HG Bishop Angaelos
to discuss the engagement of faith leaders with the Department for Communities
and Local Government
2
September 2016
On 1 September 2016, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, Parliamentary
Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, was received by
His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the
United Kingdom, at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre. During the visit,
discussions took place on matters relating to the state of Christians in the
Middle East, Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world, and interfaith
engagement and collaboration between faith leaders in the United Kingdom and
Her Majesty’s Government.
After a tour of the Cathedral of Saint
George with Lord Bourne, Bishop Angaelos said:
“Lord Bourne’s visit today sends a very
clear message of his, and his department’s, desire to reach out to and work
with local communities. As Christians we believe that we have been entrusted
with a stewardship that calls us to engage and be active citizens within our
communities, and it is important for us all to discover and pursue the full
breadth of opportunity for collaboration at both the national and local level.
By working together, we will ensure that our collective experience can be put
to good use in portraying the will of the vast majority of British society for
a peaceful, prosperous, safe and accepting nation.”
After the visit, Lord Bourne said:
“It was an honour to meet a true leader
of the community, His Grace Bishop Angaelos. His knowledge, passion and
commitment to not only the Coptic Christian community but to the country as a
whole was evident throughout our meeting. The Coptic Centre and the Cathedral
of St. George are remarkable – an example to us all of what a community can do
when it works together.”
Speaking on collaboration to an audience of over 700 MPs and Church
and community leaders at the annual National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast on
15 June 2016, Bishop Angaelos said:
“We must realise that the current
situation is greater than us all; it needs us all to work together…There can no
longer be a concept of ‘over there’ because families of those affected in the
Middle East are members of your constituencies, our Churches, and our society
as a whole…We are one very large community…our paths cross, our experience is
one and our journey is one that we must share.”
Bishop Angaelos went on to say:
“Regardless of which House one sits in,
which Church one worships in, or indeed which faith one does or does not have,
we must work together for the freedom and dignity of human life and speak with
a collaborative voice.”
*Ends*
Friday, 22 July 2016
Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on increased attacks against Egypt’s Christian community
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 increased attacks against Egypt’s Christian community
22 July 2016
Egypt is undoubtedly experiencing a formative stage of its contemporary history. Having emerged from uprisings
and changes in Government, dealing with resulting pressures on its economy and
infrastructure, and with the loss of foreign investment and tourism, it has become
more vulnerable to a disturbing wave of radicalism.
One of the manifestations of
this radicalisation is that despite a short period of apparent reprieve, it is
regrettable that the time has come yet again to speak of heightened, targeted
attacks against Coptic Christians in Egypt. Tensions against Egypt’s indigenous
Christian community have again escalated over the past few months, and will
spiral even further if not immediately addressed.
The exponential rise in
attacks against Christians and Christian property in recent months can largely
be attributed to three main catalysts: inflammatory false rumours and
accusations regarding alleged extra-marital relationships between Christians
and Muslims, incendiary rumours relating to the building of new churches, and a
growing trend towards the direct targeting of priests and their families. At
their most brutal, these recent attacks have culminated in the burning of
churches and places of worship, the stripping and public parading of 70-year-old
Souad Thabet, and the senseless murder of Father Raphael Moussa.
What must be considered very
clearly and with great concern however is that an attack on any individual
member of a society is an attack on that same society and what it stands for,
so our prayers are not only with those who have suffered these unspeakable and
horrid violations, but for the society that is undermined and made more
vulnerable with each and every one of these incidents. The system of law and
order in Egypt is not one for Christians, Muslims or any other individual group
of people, but it is for all Egyptians, and so when violated this violation is
against all.
While there are clear efforts
at the national level in Egypt to attempt to curb such acts of religiously-motivated
violence and lawlessness, what we have repeatedly seen at the local level is,
at best, carelessness and, at worst, criminal negligence in the reaction and
lack of reaction of local security service officials. This gives a clear and
direct message that certain crimes will go unchallenged and unchecked, especially
when perpetrators are not brought to justice. The resulting sense of impunity
not only means a lack of justice for crimes already perpetrated, but also gives
greater encouragement to those who will seek to do even more, and more
aggressively.
While there is a rejection of
these attacks on Christians by the vast majority of Egypt’s 85% Muslim population,
themselves often targeted by the same radical and intolerant elements, there is
a need for a robust system of law and order that appropriately responds to
crime, irrespective of who it is perpetrated by or against. If this does not
happen, the concern is that hopes for a more cohesive nation will disappear,
and that recent events will give way to a re-emerging religious divide.
In light of all this, it is of
course difficult to have a sense of hope or promise in the current situation,
but mine still remains rooted in the way Christians in Egypt and elsewhere have
faced persecution for millennia. They continue to draw strength from their
confidence and trust in an omnipotent God, and forgive through grace that only
He can provide. In this, those suffering directly from this persecution provide
a great example and inspiration for us not to be engulfed by anger or
resentment but in calling for justice, remain forgiving, no matter how hard,
and work towards a hopeful future, no matter how seemingly impossible.
The brutal and personal nature
of many of the attacks against our brothers and sisters in Egypt warrants our
prayers and support for them as they continue to endure heightened levels of
persecution while refusing to lose their admirable and resilient spirit, and
unyielding ability to forgive according to their Christian devotion and
commitment. We also pray for Egypt and
its leadership, hoping that hearts and minds will be led to greater inclusiveness,
justice, equality, and refuge for the oppressed, remembering that our Lord
Himself once took refuge from persecution within its gracious and welcoming borders.
*Ends*
Resources
Non-exclusive
list of recent attacks against the Coptic community in Egypt:
(Sources include the Coptic Church, AP, Coptic Solidarity, International Christian Concern, and World Watch Monitor)
(Sources include the Coptic Church, AP, Coptic Solidarity, International Christian Concern, and World Watch Monitor)
- Elderly woman, Souad Thabet, paraded naked through the streets by a mob in Menia, Egypt, a number of Christian homes looted and destroyed. No charges to-date. May 2016
- Christian home in Baidaa village torched by a mob of 5000 men and women, after unsubstantiated rumours claimed that it would become a church. June 2016
- Coptic Priest Father Rafael Moussa shot and murdered in Al Arish, Sinai. June 2016
- 33-year-old Coptic pharmacist, Maged Attia, stabbed and beheaded in Tanta. July 2016
- Five private Christian homes torched in Abu Yacoub, Minya, after rumours spread that a church was being constructed in the area. July 2016
- Archangel Mikhail Coptic Church burned in village of Naj al-Nassara in Madamoud. July 2016
- 27-year-old Coptic Christian man stabbed to death, priest’s families attacked and others wounded, village of Tahna al-Gabal, Minya. July 2016
Friday, 8 July 2016
Press Release: Meeting of Church leaders in Sydney to discuss situation of Christians in the Middle East, followed by an address by HG Bishop Angaelos on Global Displacement at a Public Forum
Coptic
Orthodox Church UK
Media
and Communications Office
Coptic
Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
Press Release: Meeting
of Church leaders in Sydney to discuss situation of Christians in the Middle
East, followed by an address by HG Bishop Angaelos on Global Displacement at a
Public Forum
8 July 2016
As part of his yearly pastoral visit to
Australia, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church
in the United Kingdom, addressed the New South Wales (NSW) Ecumenical Council
on Christians in the Middle East on 28 June 2016, later giving an address on
global displacement at a Public Forum in Sydney.
Addressing the NSW Ecumenical
Council, Bishop Angaelos gave thanks to the Council's President, Rev John
Barr, and its General Secretary, the Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour, for
raising the issues of persecution and turmoil in the Middle East, saying after
the meeting:
“There is no time like
the present for solidarity, because the world is in such need for unity.
Gatherings such as this present a beacon of hope, especially at a time of such
global uncertainty.”
His Grace spoke of the
complexity of the Middle East situation, stressing the need to address the
factors that have contributed to it over the years, saying:
“Throughout the Middle
East there has been an organic, and sometimes systemic, yet gradual prejudice,
marginalisation and alienation of Christians and minorities allowed to continue
over decades, and as I have said in the past, this does not have to continue on
our watch; we can and should speak and act against it.”
Going on to highlight the
plight of people of other faiths and none, Bishop Angaelos continued:
“To infuse and maintain
the core values and Christian principles of love, freedom, equality and
faithfulness, we must advocate for the benefit of all indiscriminately. As a
Christian I cannot be selective as to who I love, honour, or forgive. We must
also not forget to give thanks to many of our Muslim brethren in the region
working tirelessly and at great personal risk to safeguard the rights of
Christians and others.”
Bishop Angaelos concluded his
address by calling for greater collaboration between Churches, saying:
“The responsibility of
Christian charity, generosity and hospitality is undeniable, so we must
continue to promote solidarity, unity, light and hope.”
Later in the day His Grace Bishop Angaelos
delivered an address on the situation of refugees at a Public Forum in Sydney
on Global Displacement. Bishop Angaelos spoke about refugee week being an
important part of our global calendar as a result of the current crisis, and
urged listeners to consider the humanity of every refugee, as an individual
entitled to dignity and respect.
Explaining that Egypt is a
country that historically provided refuge for the Holy Family, Bishop Angaelos
said:
“As the Church of Egypt
we are part of a country that accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as a refugee
fleeing persecution, and so we indeed see the face of Christ in every refugee.”
Speaking of the role of
Christians in responding to global displacement he continued:
“Our calling as
Christians in particular is to represent all, to be light to all, and to give
hospitality and charity to all indiscriminately, especially in the current
climate. There is no single life that is more valuable than another, and as a
Christian I cannot be selective as to who I love, forgive or provide for...the
context of our humanity is one.”
Shedding light on the genuine
struggle of refugees he said:
“These are not people
seeking economic prosperity, they are men, women and children fleeing war-torn,
poverty-stricken, near-anarchic states merely to find the safety and dignity to
which they are entitled. To live with dignity is not a luxury but a God-given
right that we must all respect, and do our utmost to secure for all.”
Going on to highlight the
importance of collaboration, Bishop Angaelos said:
“We must work to give a
context of peace and hope, and share the Christian message of love not hate,
hope not fear, inclusion not exclusion and compassion not intolerance. Beside
its pastoral and spiritual role, the Church is the biggest NGO in the world,
the biggest provider of aid, sustenance and support, with the grounds and means
to advocate, so let us continue to focus on people and not statistics, every
life is sacred and important.”
His Grace concluded by quoting
Leviticus 19:34:
“The stranger who
dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him
as yourself; for you were strangers...”
During the panel discussion
that followed addresses, Bishop Angaelos was asked about the security threat
posed by the refugee crisis, to which he responded:
“Of course it is a complicated
situation and of course it comes with potential risks. Although this is a
highly emotive and polarising issue, we must avoid merely being in polar
opposite camps, but work together to find and implement practical systems
of security assessment, instead of stereotyping every refugee and
asylum seeker as a potential terrorist.”
The meeting was moderated by Mandy
Tibbey, and the second keynote speaker was Tamara Domicelj, Regional Refugee
Protection Advisor with Act for Peace. The panellists were Ms Carmen Lazar OAM,
Community Settlement Services Assyrian Resource Centre, Mr Chey Mattner,
Executive Officer of the Australian Lutheran World Service, Lieut-Colonel
Samuel Pho, National Secretary of the Salvation Army, and Mr Sarkis Mouradian,
Co-Convenor of the Commission on the Middle East, NSW Ecumenical Council.
*Ends*
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