2 December 2015
Held within the framework of Article 17 of
the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
Union (TFEU), a meeting hosted by Mr. Martin
Schulz, President of the European Parliament and Mr.
Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Parliament, was held
at the European Parliament on 1 December 2015 themed ‘The
persecution of Christians in the world- A call for action.'
Contributors spoke on the condition of
Christians facing persecution across the world, and provided case
studies for the Balkans, Pakistan, Sinai, Iraq, and Eritrea. At the
meeting, HG Bishop Angaelos stressed the essential need for
collaborative advocacy in efforts to help those persecuted worldwide.
After the meeting Bishop Angaelos spoke with both the
President and Vice-President of the European Parliament of the need to find
ways of future collaboration and co-operation. Speaking from Brussels Bishop
Angaelos went on to say:
“It was an effective gathering of people who are very
active and committed to working for the persecuted and vulnerable around the
world. What is clear however, is that we need to continue finding
ways to collaborate without losing the individuality of organisations, but
in such a way as to maximise the impact of our combined efforts.”
Later in the day,
Bishop Angaelos returned to the United Kingdom to deliver the annual address at
the annual Maranatha Community Lecture on ‘Faith in Politics.’
Speaking on the role of Faith in politics he said:
“Our Christian Faith is an intrinsic part of who we are, as created in
the Image and Likeness of God, and so it is meant to be indivisible from who we
are and what we do at all times. Our Faith must always determine our ethics,
morals, principles and actions.”
Addressing those involved in politics, Bishop
Angaelos said:
“It is within the context of our Faith, forming our identity, that we
must speak boldly, but doing so in a way that makes sense to those listening.
In presenting our principles, aspirations and demands, what we say must always
be relevant and gracious, and spoken in such a way that ensures it is heard and
understood.”
Speaking about advocacy and politics, he went on to say:
“Christians have a responsibility to advocate and speak for the rights
and freedoms of all those for whom those rights are threatened or violated,
regardless of their religion. We should be able to speak for justice, equality
and God-given human rights, as this is core to our Faith. Religious leaders
must act as a moral compass, not a driving force affected by party politics...”
Bishop Angaelos concluded with a passage from
Scripture, highlighting the power and beauty of unity and the boldness of true
witness:
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one
accord in one place…And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance... And they
continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking
of bread, and in prayers…and many wonders and signs were done through the
apostles.” (Acts 2:1,4,43)
