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.
*Ends*
