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.
*Ends*
