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
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.