Press Release: Archbishop of Canterbury stepping down in December 2012

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

For immediate use

Date:  16^th March 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

After receiving news that the Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams will be stepping down as Archbishop of Canterbury at the end of December 2012, HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued the following statement:

While I received the news of the stepping down of the Most Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury with great sadness, I am confident of the spirituality, wisdom, integrity and careful consideration that must drive such a decision. 

Through his ten years at Lambeth Palace, Archbishop Rowan has sought to deepen and strengthen relations within the Christian family around the world and has always been mindful of the deep and historic relationship between the Anglican Communion and the Coptic Orthodox Church, and at a wider level, with the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches internationally. We have also seen his great interest in and representation of Christians in the Middle East, as exemplified in the House of Lords Debate on the 9th December 2011. In the Archbishop we have also seen constant and faithful efforts aimed at holding together the Anglican Communion through what has been a very challenging time.

I will always hold very fond memories of the Archbishop’s visits to our Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, and the many ways in which we have worked together during the past ten years. I am also grateful for the numerous visits that His Grace has made to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in Egypt.

In praying for Archbishop Rowan, whom I also consider a friend, I look forward to our continued co-operation in these coming months and beyond. As president of The Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches, I express our appreciation for the relationship we have had over these past years and assure him of our continued prayers.  

For more information please contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Resources:

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos regarding the debate led by His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury on the 9th December 2011: Consensus in the British House of Lords on the state of Christians in the Middle East

Press Release: House of Lords debate on Christians in the Middle East, 9th December 2011

Press Releases and Statements: The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK Blog

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com

Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
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PRESS RELEASE: Anglican and Oriental Orthodox co-operation in England

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE ANGLICAN-ORIENTAL ORTHODOX REGIONAL FORUM (AOORF)

Ecumenical Forum Formally Established

Members of AOORF wish to publicise a new development in the ecumenical relationship between the Church of England and the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

The Forum has existed informally for a number of years, but has now formalised and clarified its role by the drawing up of a document setting out its Aims and Objectives.  

The purpose of the Forum is to bring together representatives from the Church of England and those Oriental Orthodox Churches who are increasingly present in the United Kingdom.

In summary the aims of the Forum are:

·         To receive and consider documents from international dialogues and their local relevance and implications amongst both clergy and laity.

·         To encourage the unity of the Church through common prayer, worship, witness and education.

·         To discuss current pastoral, social and political issues and where appropriate make representations and responses to these issues.

The Forum is Co Chaired by The Right Reverend Dr Geoffrey Rowell (Bishop in Europe) and His Grace Bishop Angaelos (Coptic Orthodox Church).

Bishop Geoffrey comments: “As Anglican Co-Chair of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International joint doctrinal Commission, I am delighted that the regional forum which has provided an informal channel of communication between Anglicans and Oriental Orthodox in England is now put on a firmer footing. With the increased numbers of Christians from the Oriental Orthodox Churches living in this country it is important that Anglicans build closer relationships with these churches. The appointment of Bishop Angaelos as an official ecumenical representative at the General Synod is a sign of this and is greatly to be welcomed.”

Bishop Angaelos comments: "At a time of increased challenge to the basic principles of morality and hope, concrete and visible unity in the life and witness of the Church is needed as a real support for our faithful and the wider community, and an affirmation of the viability and applicability of the Christian message. I feel that working together through AOORF provides a very real opportunity for our role to be even more prophetic in the United Kingdom as individual Churches, and the wider Church."

***

For further information please contact:

The Anglican Co-Secretary - The Revd Stephen Stavrou - stephenfrancisstavrou@yahoo.co.uk

The Orthodox Co-Secretary – Father Peter Farrington – fatherpeter@britishorthodox.org


Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

The First Day of Parliamentary Elections in Egypt

Monday 28th November 2011 saw the first stage of parliamentary elections in Egypt, a historic day to mark the beginning of an election process that will continue on until March 2012. Across the 27 governorates within Egypt, people flocked to the polling stations to cast their vote to appoint lower house members to 5 year terms, choosing from approximately 6700 candidates. Despite the recent unrest and violent uprisings, reports from Egypt suggest that the day has gone well with an unexpected number of people participating in the vote.

In response to the day’s events, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said “We are pleased that the day has gone relatively smoothly without significant disruption. We have been praying for a peaceful start to this democratic process, and are hopeful that all the remaining stages of the electoral process will continue unhindered, in an equally peaceful manner. The people of Egypt deserve a new start in a nation that observes the equality and rights of all.”

The First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs William Hague, said the following in an official statement regarding the elections,

"I congratulate the people of Egypt as they go to the polls. I urge the Egyptian authorities to ensure that these elections are free from violence, fair and credible. What happens in Egypt will be crucial for the whole region and the world will be watching closely in the days and months ahead.”

Whilst most of the day has indeed passed free of violence and disruption, complaints and allegations have been made by several eye witnesses suggesting that various party members were distributing flyers and food in an attempt to sway votes, and many were unhappy with the late opening of certain polling stations. As the world looks to Egypt and awaits the results of the elections, the Church continues to offer up prayers for peace in Egypt during this time and the months to come.