Press Release: Meeting of Church leaders in Sydney to discuss situation of Christians in the Middle East, followed by an address by HG Bishop Angaelos on Global Displacement at a Public Forum

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

Press Release: Meeting of Church leaders in Sydney to discuss situation of Christians in the Middle East, followed by an address by HG Bishop Angaelos on Global Displacement at a Public Forum

8 July 2016

As part of his yearly pastoral visit to Australia, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, addressed the New South Wales (NSW) Ecumenical Council on Christians in the Middle East on 28 June 2016, later giving an address on global displacement at a Public Forum in Sydney.

Addressing the NSW Ecumenical Council, Bishop Angaelos gave thanks to the Council's President, Rev John Barr, and its General Secretary, the Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour, for raising the issues of persecution and turmoil in the Middle East, saying after the meeting:

“There is no time like the present for solidarity, because the world is in such need for unity. Gatherings such as this present a beacon of hope, especially at a time of such global uncertainty.”

His Grace spoke of the complexity of the Middle East situation, stressing the need to address the factors that have contributed to it over the years, saying:

“Throughout the Middle East there has been an organic, and sometimes systemic, yet gradual prejudice, marginalisation and alienation of Christians and minorities allowed to continue over decades, and as I have said in the past, this does not have to continue on our watch; we can and should speak and act against it.”

Going on to highlight the plight of people of other faiths and none, Bishop Angaelos continued:

“To infuse and maintain the core values and Christian principles of love, freedom, equality and faithfulness, we must advocate for the benefit of all indiscriminately. As a Christian I cannot be selective as to who I love, honour, or forgive. We must also not forget to give thanks to many of our Muslim brethren in the region working tirelessly and at great personal risk to safeguard the rights of Christians and others.”

Bishop Angaelos concluded his address by calling for greater collaboration between Churches, saying:

“The responsibility of Christian charity, generosity and hospitality is undeniable, so we must continue to promote solidarity, unity, light and hope.”

Later in the day His Grace Bishop Angaelos delivered an address on the situation of refugees at a Public Forum in Sydney on Global Displacement.  Bishop Angaelos spoke about refugee week being an important part of our global calendar as a result of the current crisis, and urged listeners to consider the humanity of every refugee, as an individual entitled to dignity and respect.

Explaining that Egypt is a country that historically provided refuge for the Holy Family, Bishop Angaelos said:

“As the Church of Egypt we are part of a country that accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as a refugee fleeing persecution, and so we indeed see the face of Christ in every refugee.”

Speaking of the role of Christians in responding to global displacement he continued:

“Our calling as Christians in particular is to represent all, to be light to all, and to give hospitality and charity to all indiscriminately, especially in the current climate. There is no single life that is more valuable than another, and as a Christian I cannot be selective as to who I love, forgive or provide for...the context of our humanity is one.”

Shedding light on the genuine struggle of refugees he said:

“These are not people seeking economic prosperity, they are men, women and children fleeing war-torn, poverty-stricken, near-anarchic states merely to find the safety and dignity to which they are entitled. To live with dignity is not a luxury but a God-given right that we must all respect, and do our utmost to secure for all.”

Going on to highlight the importance of collaboration, Bishop Angaelos said:

“We must work to give a context of peace and hope, and share the Christian message of love not hate, hope not fear, inclusion not exclusion and compassion not intolerance. Beside its pastoral and spiritual role, the Church is the biggest NGO in the world, the biggest provider of aid, sustenance and support, with the grounds and means to advocate, so let us continue to focus on people and not statistics, every life is sacred and important.”

His Grace concluded by quoting Leviticus 19:34:

“The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers...”

During the panel discussion that followed addresses, Bishop Angaelos was asked about the security threat posed by the refugee crisis, to which he responded:

“Of course it is a complicated situation and of course it comes with potential risks. Although this is a highly emotive and polarising issue, we must avoid merely being in polar opposite camps, but work together to find and implement practical systems of security assessment, instead of stereotyping every refugee and asylum seeker as a potential terrorist.”

The meeting was moderated by Mandy Tibbey, and the second keynote speaker was Tamara Domicelj, Regional Refugee Protection Advisor with Act for Peace. The panellists were Ms Carmen Lazar OAM, Community Settlement Services Assyrian Resource Centre, Mr Chey Mattner, Executive Officer of the Australian Lutheran World Service, Lieut-Colonel Samuel Pho, National Secretary of the Salvation Army, and Mr Sarkis Mouradian, Co-Convenor of the Commission on the Middle East, NSW Ecumenical Council.

*Ends*

Press Release: House of Lords launch of report on religion-based asylum application process

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                                   Media and Communications Office

House of Lords launch of report on religion-based asylum application process

8 June 2016

The 7 June 2016 saw the launch of a report jointly commissioned by the Asylum Advocacy Group (AAG) and The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Freedom of Religion or Belief. The report, entitled ‘Fleeing Persecution: Asylum Claims in the UK on Religious Freedom Grounds’ explores the effectiveness of the assessment of religion-based asylum claims in the UK, and the impact of the asylum process on the fairness and quality of decision-making.

Those attending the launch heard addresses by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, and Founder and Chair of the AAG, The Baroness Berridge of the Vale of Catmose, co-chair of the APPG, and Professor Geoff Gilbert, Professor of Law in the School of Law and Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex.

Chairing the meeting, Baroness Berridge said:

“We are aware that the Home office is trying to make incredibly nuanced and difficult decisions… [and] are here to help and assist so that genuine claims are accepted...We aim to work with the Home Office to improve the quality of decisions so as to avoid the heartache and the time and resources of lawyers at tribunal hearings.”

Speaking of the vulnerability of those fleeing persecution and seeking asylum in the UK, Bishop Angaelos said:

“We have been working in collaboration with the Home Office for several years to ensure that the measures applied to determine the credibility of applications do not inadvertently disadvantage those truly in need of refuge and support.

While many have the benefit of freely choosing their faith or belief in some parts of the world, there are others for whom this decision makes them vulnerable to persecution, to the extent of sometimes threatening their very existence.

Conscious of the fact that some will desire to abuse the system, we must not forget the humaneness with which those legitimately applying on religious freedom grounds should be treated. This is not just a matter of statistics, because even if one case is misjudged, that represents one life placed at greater risk.”

Addressing the complexity of religious freedom case law and designation, Professor Gilbert said:  

“It is a mistake to ignore religious based persecution…[which is] not limited to state-based activity…Cumulative discrimination can amount to persecution if there is enough of it...”

The report listed a number of recommendations regarding the asylum process, aimed at improving the effectiveness and sensitivity of guidelines, amongst which was:

“Ensure that the asylum procedures are sensitive to the applicants’ experiences, backgrounds and well-being. Also ensure that applicants should not be caused unnecessary distress and should feel able to speak freely...”

Present at the meeting were members of both Houses of Parliament, as well as religious freedom and advocacy organisations and representatives of a variety of religious and ethnic groups.

For a copy of the report online, including the full list of recommendations as part of the Executive summary, click here.    

      

*Ends*

Statement on the refugee crisis in Europe by HG Bishop Angaelos

For immediate use

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Statement on the refugee crisis in Europe

By His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church
in the United Kingdom

4 September 2015 

Having seen heartbreaking images of the lifeless and abandoned body of young Aylan Kurdi lying alone on a beach in Turkey puts an all too gruesome optic to a matter either in the forefront or background of every mind over the past months. The images we have now become too accustomed to seeing may have desensitised some, but the horrific reality of the situation remains; thousands of people continue to risk all, even their lives, to seek the safety that we are thankfully free to live on a daily basis.

Whether it is Aylan, his family, or the countless thousands of others making the treacherous journey to flee conflict and find a better life, we must now realise that the solution to this crisis is greater than for individual Churches, religions, communities, or even states to address alone, and so a more universal, integrated and collaborative approach to make the best of limited human and material resources, must be sought.

The Church of Egypt is no stranger to the issue of asylum as it was Egypt that accepted and embraced the infant Christ and His family as refugees when they fled targeted and intentional persecution. It is indeed telling that while the world has apparently progressed over millennia since then, the problems and challenges remain the same.

As a Church with its roots in the Middle East we are very aware of the struggles faced by people in the region, Christians and others. It is essential that the plight of these refugees is not belittled or ignored, as they face very real challenges in their homelands, living with a daily threat to their livelihood and even existence.

At a time of increasing economic pressure in Europe and a greater fear of importing radical elements seeking to destabilise our communities, it is understandable that caution must be exercised. Having said that however, that caution should not mean a blanket rejection of the vast majority of those coming who are genuinely seeking safety for themselves and their families. What is concerning is abrasive rhetoric in the media and public sphere, leading to the constant dehumanisation of people who are undoubtedly victims of this conflict, to the extent that many now see them simply as an impending risk to their communities, putting aside their basic rights and needs. What we must realise is that many of these people, indigenous to their homelands, are not fleeing out of choice or preference but out of sheer necessity.

This is undoubtedly an extremely complex issue that involves geo-politics, global economics, European economies and borders, state and regional security, as well as an increasingly volatile Middle East, but as I have mentioned previously, we must not be prescriptive to people living in crisis on whether or not they should stay and fight in their war-torn countries, or flee for their lives. Whatever their choices may be, we must advocate to either safeguard their continued presence or provide an alternative if they cease to see a viable continuity in their homelands.

It is encouraging, that over the past few days there has been a greater intention and appetite for a pragmatic and compassionate response to this increasing refugee crisis in seeking practical solutions whatever they may be.

The Scriptures are timeless in their direction, and when the Lord God instructs His people to care for the widow, orphan, traveller and stranger (Deuteronomy 10:18) that was not meant exclusively for His immediate audience alone, but to the whole of humanity over time.

These challenging events remind us of the brokenness of our humanity, but as Christians we also recognise the ability of God to heal that brokenness. For that reason, we pray confidently for solutions in the homelands of those fleeing, the countries that may extend whatever hospitality they can, and above all, safety for many who make these dangerous journeys out of sheer desperation.   

*Ends*

The Church of England General Synod Panel on violence against minorities in Syria and Iraq

On 18 November 2014 His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom participated in a panel discussion chaired by the Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, on violence against minorities in Iraq and Syria. The panel discussion took place during The Church of England General Synod, and the other panellists were: The Bishop of Leeds, The Rt Revd Nicholas Baines, The Revd Rachel Carnegie, Executive Director of the Anglican Alliance and Shaykh Fuad Nahdi, Executive Director of the Radical Middle Way.

As moderator of the panel, The Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, The Bishop of Coventry began proceedings by framing the discussion as one that should deal with listening to each other and ascertaining how the brokenness in the Middle East, in particular Iraq and Syria, has come about and what appropriate action can be taken in response.

During the discussion His Grace Bishop Angaelos spoke of the need to keep the plight of those suffering in the Middle East in the forefront of prayers and advocacy efforts despite a constant shift in media focus and narrative. He made mention of the urgent need for humanitarian aid for those in Iraq and Syria as well as the safeguarding of their religious freedom, saying:

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other such agreements merely safeguard God-given liberties. Since the basis of our freedom is found in Scripture we have the credibility and responsibility as the Church to advocate for all regardless of religious affiliation.”

Bishop Angaelos spoke of those in Iraq and Syria who desire to continue living in their homelands despite the persecution faced, as well as others who are asking to leave and are seeking asylum in Great Britain. He went on to say that in responding to the situation decision makers must not be prescriptive but directly responsive to these people and their needs. Going on to clarify that if they feel that they have a viable presence then they must be supported there, but if they feel unable to continue due to risks upon them, their families and communities, then we must provide the means for their relocation by granting them asylum where we can. His Grace also expressed his thanks to Her Majesty’s government and humanitarian organisations for providing support and aid to those in need.

In response to the notion presented that there is no compulsion in religion and in answer to the question “Is there a future for these communities to continue to live together?” Bishop Angaelos expressed that it is unquestionable that there is evidence of compulsion and even retribution for some of those who wish to live, practice and choose their faith freely. He also stressed the need for prominent leaders within Muslim communities to condemn these violations and encourage a greater openness and acceptance. Bishop Angaelos concluded by saying that while there is a radical and vocal fringe, when the Christian voice is added to an accepting and embracing Muslim voice this is a sizeable, powerful and effective majority.

Lastly His Grace spoke of the essential need for a message of solidarity and unity from the Church in the United Kingdom, referring to the Body of Christ as a means of support and strength for all those suffering persecution in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere. His Grace emphasized the need to cease using the artificial discrepancy of referring to the ‘Eastern’ and ‘Western’ Church, going on to say that the Church must, now more than ever, speak and respond to the suffering of those in the Middle East in a collective and unified manner.

Shaykh Fuad Nahdi spoke of the persecution of Christians as heinous and unacceptable for any human being, speaking of the importance of coexistence saying:

“We must share the example about coexistence and show compassion, but above all things we must fight ignorance.”

The Rt Revd Nicholas Baines, who has previously written a letter to The Rt Honourable Prime Minister David Cameron in response to the situation in Iraq and Syria, spoke of the importance of not only being reactive but having a long-term view in responding to the crisis. In answering a question regarding the importance of media reporting, he said:

“Religious literacy is needed in the media. We need also to praise them when they report well. We must remember that journalists are also losing their lives and we need to pray and support them.”

The Revd Rachel Carnegie spoke about horrifying reports of individuals who are being persecuted for their faith in Syria and Iraq, while also speaking about the hopeful initiatives and work of those who are providing humanitarian assistance in the region and urging the Church to continue in prayer for those suffering, saying:

“We must continue to pray as prayer becomes the foundation of our response, for protection, provision, and perseverance.’

The session was closed with prayer by The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.