Coptic Orthodox
Church UK
Media and Communications Office
Coptic Orthodox
Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office
PRESS RELEASE
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II embarks on his first pastoral visit to
the United Kingdom in May 2017
5 May 2017
Later today, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II,
118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark,
will commence his first pastoral visit of the United Kingdom.
This will be the first time His Holiness has
visited as head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, whose membership remains
predominantly in Egypt. Coptic Christians now also represent 80% of Christians
in the Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity.
His Holiness will visit Coptic Orthodox
parishes across the United Kingdom, officiating liturgical services and
performing several consecrations, while generally taking time to engage with
parishioners. Pope Tawadros will also engage with various ecumenical,
interfaith and official members of British society at a series of events
planned throughout the course of his stay.
His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of
the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, will receive His Holiness
today and accompany him throughout his stay. Earlier today Bishop Angaelos
said:
“This is a historic visit, not only of the 118th
Pope of Alexandria to the United Kingdom, but more personally for His Holiness
Pope Tawadros, as his first engagement with his flock across Britain. For
Coptic Christians here, it will be an opportunity to spend time with the head
of their Church, and their spiritual father.
This has been a difficult year for Christians
in Egypt with recent and ongoing attacks, and thus the visit will also be an
opportunity for their brothers and sisters to hear directly from His Holiness
about the situation there, and how they can provide greater support for them.”
During his visit, one of the most significant
engagements will be when the Pope addresses hundreds of youth from Coptic
parishes across England at a meeting during which they will present on the
various ministries they engage with under the umbrella of Coptic Youth Mission.
Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, following
two explosions in Coptic Churches in Tanta and Alexandria
9 April 2017
Today,
Egypt’s Christians experienced yet another targeted attack, with a bombing of
the Church of Saint George in Tanta during what was meant to be a joyous day of
families celebrating Palm Sunday. A few hours later there was a second bombing
in Alexandria, killing innocent men, women and children as they left a Palm
Sunday Liturgy that was officiated by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of
Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark.
While
it is still too early to determine responsibility, what is undeniable is the
senseless and heartless brutality that can lead a person or people to
indiscriminately take innocent lives, especially at the most vulnerable hour of
prayer.
Today
we suffer with our sisters and brothers who have experienced losses in London,
in Stockholm, and as well as those who continue to suffer on a daily basis
across the Middle East. We pray for them and their families as well as their
suffering and struggling communities.
We
pray for His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and all our Coptic clergy in Egypt who continue
to serve their spiritual children faithfully and diligently at a time in which
their leadership and pastoral care is needed by our whole community. We also pray
for our Coptic Orthodox sisters and brothers who continue to be resilient in
the face of ongoing and escalating attacks, and who resist the urge to react
vengefully or reciprocally. We are also saddened by the news that members of the security services who attempted to foil the second bombing in Alexandria lost their lives in the line of duty. We pray comfort and resolve for their families and colleagues.
As
we celebrate Palm Sunday today and Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, we now also
mark the entry of those who have passed today into the heavenly Jerusalem. As
we continue into the Holy Week of our Saviour, we share in the pain and
heartbreak of their families and of all those affected by today’s incidents. As
we celebrate the Feast of the glorious Resurrection at the end of this week, we
are reminded that our life here on earth is a journey often filled with pain,
at the end of which is a promised glorious and eternal life void of such
suffering and evil.
Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on the
terrorist attack in Westminster
23 March 2017
We
have once again seen the worst and best of humanity in yesterday’s Westminster
attack. One person was intent on harming and ending life, while countless
hundreds of others tirelessly did their utmost to maintain and protect the
lives of those they may not even have known. Our prayers are first and foremost
with those who have lost loved ones, those who are injured and those who will
carry the trauma of what they have experienced.
Having
been within the Palace of Westminster when this attack happened, I witnessed the
tireless efforts of hundreds of individuals whose primary goal was to look
after and secure all those under their care: members of both Houses who
reassured their guests and colleagues, the staff and security of the Houses of
Parliament who looked after the ill and elderly, Metropolitan Police and
emergency service officers who were among us updating and guiding us through
the process, school teachers looking after their children who were visiting
Parliament, sitting them down and singing songs to reassure them, the Chaplain
to the Speaker who stood from beginning to end mingling with, and reassuring
all those who were there, and countless others, each doing what he or she could
to assist in any way.
What I found particularly moving was that, in the face of this act of terror, everyone
involved demonstrated an instinctive and immense courage and resilience.
This
and similar acts are meant to dishearten and defeat us; they are meant to take
away our resolve and aim to lead us into a spiral of revenge. Despite evocative
attempts to corrupt our hearts to hatred, we on the contrary have seen acts of unwavering
selflessness, sacrifice and compassion.
Our thoughts
and prayers are especially with the family of PC Keith Palmer of the
Metropolitan Police, and all his colleagues who continue to work for the
protection of others despite their personal loss. We also stand together in
prayer for all those affected by this horrific attack, for those entrusted with
the leadership, security and safeguarding of our communities, and for the
safety of everyone in London and beyond.
Knights of Columbus Supreme Council makes donation to
families of victims of the St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church bombing in Cairo,
Egypt
3 March 2017
Given the ongoing needs of those affected by the
bombing of St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo on 11 December 2016,
which claimed the lives of 29 people, mostly women and children, the Knights of
Columbus Supreme Council has donated $75,000 to support the families of
victims.
Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson
spoke to His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the United Kingdom, shortly after the bombing to arrange this support
for the families and communities affected by the tragic event.
Speaking on behalf
of Knights of Columbus, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said:
"The Knights of Columbus is honored to assist
those affected by this terrible and tragic crime. Even long after events like
those of December 11, the physical and emotional scars of such calamities
continue to affect the victims, and it is our hope that these funds will help
to heal those who have had to endure this assault. It is also our hope that
this donation will highlight the solidarity we feel with our Christian brothers
and sisters in Egypt. Their courage in persevering in the faith despite such
attacks inspires us in our own faith, and while we are horrified by the attack,
we are also deeply grateful for the Christian witness of forgiveness shown by
those affected."
Commenting on the
generous donation, His Grace Bishop Angaelos said:
“On behalf of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of
Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, and the Coptic Orthodox Church,
we are very thankful for the generosity of Knights of Columbus, and grateful
for our ongoing relationship with them. Having worked closely with Supreme
Knight Anderson and The Knights of Columbus in March 2016 on the campaign to
highlight the Genocide against Christians in the Middle East, we know that
there is much that can be achieved when we stand together to witness for those
persecuted around the world, whether in Egypt or elsewhere.”
Comment
by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom,
on the recent spate of attacks against Coptic Christians in Egypt,
including the recent attacks in Al-Arish, Sinai.
28 February 2017
I have now drafted and
redrafted this statement numerous times over the past weeks, wanting to say
something about the deadly attacks experienced by Coptic Christians in Egypt on
a daily basis, yet every time I do, there seems to be a new and often more
horrifying attack that needs to be addressed. In the past three months alone
forty Coptic Christians have been murdered in targeted attacks in Egypt. From
the terrorist bombing on St Peter’s Coptic Church in Cairo that claimed the
lives of twenty nine mainly women and children, to the murders of individuals across
the country since, the one common denominator is that these innocent children,
women and men have had their lives brutally and tragically ended for no other
reason except that they are Christians.
Incitement by terrorist groups
that calls for the killing of Christians in Egypt has spiralled over the past
weeks to the extent that lists of churches and individuals have now been
released as desirable targets.
While persecution is nothing
new for the Coptic community, this escalation of attacks over the past months,
culminating in the most recent murders of seven Christians in Al-Arish, has
resulted in the displacement of hundreds forced to leave their generations-old
homes in North Sinai.
These horrific attacks have
gone largely unnoticed by the international community, but Copts continue to
suffer tragic violations daily. The attacks against them are anti-Christian and
religiously-motivated, demonstrated in many cases by the circulation of flyers
within villages urging Christians to ‘leave or die’. Similar events have tragically
occurred far too often over the past years, and there is unfortunately little
deterrent to prevent them from reoccurring.
In our fast moving world that
is filled with so much news of tragedy, war and death, it is all too easy for
atrocities to become ‘incidents’, and for individuals suffering them to become
mere statistics, very quickly pushed aside by the next item of news. In the
eyes of the perpetrators they are a viable target, and in the eyes of the world
they become a regrettable phenomenon; yet what is actually left behind is
traumatised individuals, families and communities that have lost loved ones,
living the reality of themselves being targeted.
While Coptic Christians have been
particularly targeted they have always remained peaceful and opted for
non-retaliation. Exceeding this already admirable stance, they have even
proceeded to forgive their perpetrators. After the destruction of over 100
places of Christian ministry and worship in August of 2013, the bombing of
various churches across the country in the last decade, and the targeted
killing of clergy, families, women and children, purely for their Faith, the community
and individuals within it remain non-violent and resilient. Despite there being
condemnation of these attacks by national government and authorities, there is
yet to be a consistent robust and fair implementation of these same sentiments
more regionally and locally.
In communicating over the past
weeks with various brothers and sisters in Egypt, what becomes immediately
apparent is that this community that continues to witness its Faith with
integrity and strength despite the hurdles it faces, desires to live with
dignity in its indigenous homeland.
It must also be mentioned that
Coptic Christians are not alone in facing these attacks, as scores of Egyptian civilians,
soldiers and police officers have lost their lives as a result of this wave of terrorist
activity.
We pray for those suffering
terrorism and violence, for God to grant them peace and reassurance that they
are not forgotten by Him or by all those who not only witness their plight but
strive to advocate for them. We also pray for those in positions of authority
and influence that they may be advocates for all those entrusted into their
care. Finally, and not of least importance we pray for those who perpetrate
these crimes, that they once again become conscious of the true value of every
life that appears to be dispensable in their eyes.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
has made a donation towards the community work of the St Pachomius and El
Gidiseen Coptic Orthodox monasteries in Upper Egypt. Both monasteries carry out
projects that benefit Christians and Muslims within their respective communities,
and have done so for centuries.
Monasticism was established in the 4th
centuries in Egypt and since then monasteries have been an intrinsic part of
Egyptian culture, both in their desert and rural settings. Their work is in
areas of health and social welfare, irrespective of religion, faith, gender or
any affiliation.”
In response to the contribution made, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General
Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, said:
“We are
very thankful for the continuing support of His Royal Highness. This is indeed
a recognition of the role of the Christian communities working in Egypt within
their indigenous settings; it is also a recognition of the rich monastic
tradition that the Egyptian deserts have shared with the whole world over the
past 1500 years.
The
grant recognises that faith communities, if working in a healthy way within
their urban or rural settings, can still make a contribution and have a very
positive effect, even amongst the conflict that still exists in some places.”
Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on the current
debate regarding security and provision of refuge for the most vulnerable
30
January 2017
The current state of geo-politics and the numerous terrorist
attacks around our world in recent months have led to a growing uncertainty and
global anxiety with regards to both internal and external security. This
concern has prompted debates on the need for vigilance, the safeguarding of
national security and the protection of individuals. Those same debates have
also uncovered an underlying scepticism over the fluidity of borders and ease
of access for those potentially intending harm, while also highlighting a
perceived lack of compassion and understanding for those fleeing that same harm.
While it is important to safeguard individuals, communities and
entire nations, it is undeniable that there has been widespread instability and
conflict that has also led to the inhumane treatment and vast displacement of
millions of vulnerable people across the Middle East and elsewhere. In seeking
to protect individuals or a particular sector of a community, it is imperative
that we do not alienate others, especially when it means denying the basic human
rights and freedoms of those most vulnerable. We are already witnessing the generic
application of law and policy running the risk of violating the same rights
they seek to protect, potentially doubly discriminating against vulnerable
families and individuals fleeing war and conflict by denying them the
opportunity to seek refuge and safe haven.
As Christians following Biblical teachings and traditions existing
for millennia, we believe that God instructs us to provide refuge and
hospitality to all humanity indiscriminately. He does not stop there in His
instruction, but goes further to urge us to love all, even those who consider
us their enemies. We are warned in the Gospel of Saint Matthew about neglecting
“…the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” In addressing the balance between maintaining security and providing refuge for those most vulnerable, we must remember the words of our Lord that, “These you ought to have done, without
leaving the others undone.” Love and forgiveness, as I have stated in the past
should not amount to a lack of justice or wisdom, but they do safeguard against
our human tendencies to seek revenge, or act in ways no different from those
who seek to harm us.
While our human brokenness has led to the conflict and vulnerability
we see in the world, we must not allow that same brokenness to lead us into dehumanising
others, considering them less worthy of God-given rights and freedoms.
At a time when some politicians across the globe are utilising
language that potentially promotes division and polarisation, it is imperative
for all in positions of influence or authority, whether religious leadership or
other, to remind all of the crucial values of love, acceptance, forgiveness and
mercy. Without these values, our world will become a much more hostile place;
and in not providing for the other, we deprive ourselves and future generations
of those same entitlements fought for and upheld for millennia.
As a Church that frequently finds itself at the receiving end of
lethal terrorist attacks, we understand far too well the need to protect
communities and individuals. At the same time however, we must not do so in a
way that compromises our integrity or goes against the humaneness with which we
must address the vast majority of those who do not directly or indirectly
advocate for, aspire to, or inflict harm on others.
We pray wisdom for leaders, safe passage and refuge for the
vulnerable, and a realisation, by those who seek to inflict harm and terror on
others, of the value and sanctity of every life.
HRH The
Prince of Wales highlights the plight of minorities
suffering religious persecution worldwide
22 December 2016
His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, has spoken out today for
minorities suffering religious persecution in a video
message for Aid to the Church in Need and on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’.
During his message, His Royal Highness spoke about the persecution
of Christians and religious minorities, saying that for many “religious freedom
is a daily stark choice between life and death. The scale of religious
persecution is not widely appreciated…in some countries even more insidious
forms of extremism have recently surfaced which aim to eliminate all types of
religious diversity.” He went on to speak about the vast numbers of people
displaced as a result of religious persecution in their homelands, and their
ongoing struggle as they seek refuge elsewhere.
This message comes just one week after the brutal bombing and
killing of 27 people, mostly women and children, in St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox
Church in Cairo, targeted purely for their Christian belief. In response to the
bombing, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales wrote a letter of condolence to
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of
St Mark, also offering his condolence in person to His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, at a
private meeting at Clarence House on 14 December 2016.
In December 2013 His Royal Highness visited The Coptic Orthodox
Church Centre in the United Kingdom to express his support for Christians
suffering persecution across the Middle East.
The Archbishop of Canterbury and
Ambassador of Egypt join HG Bishop Angaelos in prayers at The Innocent Victims’
Memorial at Westminster Abbey, for victims of the Cairo Church Bombing
14 December 2016
The Most
Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and His Excellency Mr Nasser
Kamel, Ambassador of Egypt to the UK & NI, spoke at a prayer vigil
alongside His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the United Kingdom, at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial, Westminster
Abbey.
The vigil
was held on 14 December 2016 in honour of the 25 Coptic Orthodox Christians,
mostly women and children, who lost their lives in the recent tragic bombing of
St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo. Present at the memorial were
various faith leaders, ambassadors, ecumenical guests, members of NGOs and the
Coptic Orthodox community in the United Kingdom.
The
Reverend Jane Sinclair, Canon in Residence, welcomed all to the vigil,
which began with a communal prayer of thanksgiving, followed by a Scripture
reading, and addresses from HG Bishop Angaelos, HG The Archbishop of Canterbury
and HE The Ambassador of Egypt. After the speeches there was a prayer for the
departed, during which their names were read aloud as 25 red roses were laid
onto the Innocent Victims’ Memorial in between 25 lit candles, representing the
blood that they shed for their faith, and the light that they will continue to
represent in the memory of many around the world.
In his
address during the vigil, Bishop Angaelos thanked Canon Sinclair, the Dean and
Chapter of Westminster, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Ambassador of
Egypt, going on to thank all who attended, saying:
“It is deeply moving for myself
and our community that all of you gathered here today have done so at such
short notice. It is a shame that it takes events like these to gather us, but
the fact that we do gather means that there is significantly greater good than
evil in this world.
It is tragic that families have
been broken apart just before the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity, and
I can only begin to imagine their sorrow. While we pray for the families and
support them pastorally in whatever way we can, we know that the loss of a
loved one is something that only God can truly comfort at this time through His
grace. I am personally moved that my sisters and brothers, continue, despite
their suffering, to live with dignity, integrity, resilience, love and
forgiveness, demonstrated through their genuine Christian witness.
People are indeed surprised when
we speak of forgiveness at times like this, but we are called to forgive and we
must continue to do so. Of course there is a call for justice but never for
vengeance…reconciliation but never carelessness. In our unity as the Body of
Christ, the family of faith, and the global family, we must continue to
advocate for and safeguard the dignity and sanctity of every life. The
importance of our mission and our ministry here as God’s children, is to
continue, like these candles to be light in darkness.”
In
responding to the tragic events in Cairo, the Archbishop of Canterbury said:
“We pray for all those who have
lost loved ones that they may know God’s comforting presence, and for the
nation of Egypt as it mourns. As we prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ,
the Prince of Peace, our prayer is that in Egypt Muslims and Christians
together may be strengthened in their quest for peace and their rejection of
the crude and cruel tactics of the terrorists.”
His
Excellency The Ambassador of Egypt, said:
“Despite this moment of sorrow, the people of Egypt remain united
against ignorance, intolerance and extremism. These heinous crimes that aim to
undermine the unity of the Egyptian people, regardless of their
religious affiliation, will never succeed, nor will the bonds that tie its
religious establishments ever be broken. Peace and harmony have always
prevailed in Egypt.
Let me remind you - as we also
approach the Nativity celebrations - that the Virgin Mary, after giving
birth to Jesus Christ, sought refuge in Egypt to protect her newborn
from tyranny and intolerance."
Message
of condolence received by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II from
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
12
December 2016
Messages of condolence have
been pouring in for the Coptic Orthodox Community worldwide as a result of a
brutal bombing which claimed the lives of 25, mostly women and children, at St
Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo.
A message from HRH The Prince of Wales was sent to His
Holiness Pope Tawadros II, saying:
"I wanted to send to Your Holiness, and to all members of the Coptic
Orthodox Church in Egypt and across the world, my most profound sympathy over
the unbearably inhuman attack on the chapel adjacent to St Mark's
Cathedral. Those guilty of this terrible crime are clearly seeking, in
their brutal way, to create divisions within Egyptian society, as we have
seen only on Friday with the barbaric murder of six policemen in Giza. The
steadfastness of Egyptians in the face of such appalling hatred and extremism
is greatly to be admired.
I can only begin to imagine the dreadful shock and grief that Copts, and
indeed all Egyptians, must be feeling and my heart goes out to the families and
loved ones of those who have been killed and wounded.
I wanted to assure Your Holiness that Copts everywhere, and especially in
Egypt, are in my thoughts and special prayers as they try to cope with the
loss, pain and fear that the attack has inflicted upon them."
In response to the message of condolence from HRH The
Prince of Wales and other individuals, Church bodies, faith groups and
organisations, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the United Kingdom said:
“On a day of great concern and sadness for Coptic Christians around the
world, it is truly heartening to receive warm messages of support and condolence
from friends across a broad spectrum of society. Atrocities such as these cause
much pain to all affected, yet they also shine light on the immense love, care and
solidarity expressed by many who feel they share a common humanity, whatever their
background, faith or walk of life.
I am thankful for the message from His Royal Highness The Prince of
Wales, who visited our community in 2013 to highlight the plight of Christians
in the Middle East, and for his ongoing support for all who suffer as a result
of oppression and marginalisation. We pray that God continue to provide hope,
light and support to all who are suffering, as we also pray for those who continue
to aspire to be that support, that hope and that light.”
HG
Bishop Angaelos comments a day after brutal bombing and murder of 25 people in
St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Cairo
12
December 2016
Today
is a day of many emotions: sadness, nervousness, uncertainty, and understandably
even anger at times. That is because yesterday was a day in which we witnessed
the worst of humanity, when innocent women and children who decided to worship
their God in their spiritual home had their lives needlessly and senselessly
ended without warning. They were used as pawns; a means to an end. To the
perpetrators of this heinous crime, their lives clearly held no greater value
than scribbles on a strategic page; a plan that was to be executed for a cause
to which they were merely incidental, collateral damage. Yesterday we saw
beautiful lives lost, families separated and broken, and whole communities
grieving; a truly painful time that has not only affected Coptic Christians,
but Egyptian society at large, Muslims and Christians alike, and millions
around the world.
Crimes will always be perpetrated and
criminals will continue to exist, but such a strategic, vicious act is
difficult to comprehend. It is indeed difficult to understand how a person
might plan and execute such a horrific, ruthless and barbaric plot against
innocent women and children. The only way to do this is to completely disregard
the relevance, value and sanctity of any life potentially affected by these
actions.
In
recent decades, we have seen recurring acts of violence against Christians and
Christian communities in Egypt. Time and time again, very few, if any,
perpetrators have been brought to justice, and we subsequently continue to
witness an escalation of these attacks. This is not a matter of blame, but accountability, with an
expectation that barbaric acts such as these should never occur, but if they
do, that their perpetrators are rightly and fairly held to account. This is not
a call for vengeance, but a deterrent against similar future plans and
aspirations.
We are thankful for the overwhelming
outpouring of emotion and support that we have personally received from friends,
and even indeed strangers, around the world in response to this horrific and
heartbreaking attack, but it is unfathomable that at the same time, others have
politicised this atrocity by actually laying blame on those targeted, maimed
and killed because of the perceived political stance of Christians in Egypt.
They have even gone so far as to imply that Christians and the Church were
somehow complicit in this crime to gain sympathy, allegedly using their
daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers as means to a ludicrous contrived
political end.
As
Christians, we have hope in the belief that good will prevail despite the
seemingly increasing evil in our world. Life will certainly go on and
atrocities such as these will by no means defeat us. Today, tomorrow and the
next day will continue to bring new beginnings and greater resilience, but there
will continue to be a deep effect on many that may remain with them for weeks,
months, and even years to come.
As
Christians, we also believe in forgiveness, but forgiveness is by no means
synonymous with ignoring justice. Forgiveness ensures that our own hearts are
not entangled in a web of anger and resentment, or corrupted by feelings of
hatred or revenge. Forgiveness is ultimately liberating and empowering, but at
the same time, justice is essential; not for the purposes of punishment, but
to secure and protect our societies in which people must respectfully live side
by side.
Chapter
16 of the Gospel of Saint John tells us that in the world “we will have tribulation” but to be “of good cheer” for the Lord Jesus Christ
has “overcome the [evils of this] world.” The Scriptures also tell us that “the
time is coming that whoever kills [us] will think that he offers God service”(John 16:2).This reality has been lived
for two millennia, through the reign of Diocletian, and continues until today as
we still witness targeted persecution throughout the world. In facing these
struggles throughout history, too many precious lives have been lost, and this
is why we must advocate for the safeguarding of every life, so that many more
do not continue to suffer on our watch.
As
we prepare for feasts and celebrations: Christmas in the Gregorian calendar, the
New Year, the Feast of the Nativity in the Julian calendar, and Epiphany, sharing
them with family and friends around us, there are families that will not be
coming together, and communities that will not be celebrating, as a result of
this great loss. We remember and pray for them all, and assure them that they
will not be forgotten. We also live confident that if we, as limited imperfect
beings, are moved by their loss and suffering in this way, that our perfect, all-loving,
all-powerful, and all-just God hears their cries and will by no means forsake
or forget them, but strengthen, support and comfort them as only He can. *Ends*
Al Jazeera English and BBCWorld News Interview with HG Bishop Angaelos Bomb kills 25 Coptic Orthodox worshippers
during Sunday worship in Cairo
Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop
of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the
United Kingdom
11 December 2016
It is
with great sadness that we receive the news today of at least 25 people
brutally murdered by an explosion during regular Sunday worship at St Peter’s
Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, adjacent to the Grand Cathedral of Saint Mark.
Our
prayers are with those whose lives have been so senselessly ended, those who
have been injured, and every family and community affected. We also pray for
every Coptic parish and community across Egypt as they fill their churches this
morning, as well as for the broader Egyptian society that fall victim to
similar inhumane attacks.
Many
within our Coptic community in Britain will have family and friends in Egypt,
and we also pray for them at this time of uncertainty.
We share in this tragedy
but are encouraged by the strength and resilience of our brethren in Egypt that
we have grown accustomed to and learn from. We pray God’s peace and protection
upon the Christians of Egypt, the broader Egyptian society, Christians around
the world worshipping this morning and all faith communities that fall prey to
similar attacks.
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.
