5 May 2016
The Rt Hon. the Baroness
Anelay of St Johns DBE, Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth
Office, and Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual
Violence in Conflict, was received by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop
of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, at The Coptic Centre in the
UK. During the visit discussions took place on matters of vulnerable
communities in the Middle East, human rights, freedom of religion or belief,
and the necessity for potential collaboration between Her Majesty’s Government
and Faith leaders in the UK.
After
a tour of the Cathedral of Saint George with the Baroness, Bishop Angaelos said:
“It
was a pleasure to welcome Baroness Anelay to our Centre and have an opportunity
to discuss collaboration for the most vulnerable. I have appreciated the
minister’s work since her appointment, and assured her that we would not only
continue to assist with these faithful efforts in any way we can, but would be
praying for her and all those who support this ongoing work.”
After
the visit Baroness Anelay said:
“I was
delighted to visit the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre and learn more about the
Coptic Orthodox Church and British Coptic community, as well as His Grace’s
role in bringing together Middle Eastern Christian leaders from different
denominations. I greatly value these interactions with His Grace, and his
continuous engagement with the FCO on our human rights work. Faith leaders
provide a valuable perspective and play an important role in tackling a wide
range of foreign policy challenges. I look forward to future collaboration with
the Church in this regard.”
*Ends*
