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*

HG Bishop Angaelos visits the world’s second largest refugee camp, and delivers address on ‘A time for opportunity and hope in the Middle East’ at the invitation, and in the presence, of HRH Prince Hassan of Jordan

HG Bishop Angaelos visits the world’s second largest refugee camp, and delivers address on ‘A time for opportunity and hope in the Middle East’ at the invitation, and in the presence, of HRH Prince Hassan of Jordan

15 March 2016

 In March 2016, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom visited the Za’atari Refugee Camp, the largest in Jordan and second-largest in the world, and met with international aid organisations and agencies to discuss the means by which they are serving those who have fled the crisis in Syria. 

Speaking about his visit to the camp, Bishop Angaelos said:

“Despite the tragic nature of the current refugee crisis, it was heartening to see children being able to attend educational classes within the camps, and equally encouraging to see women taught various life skills, including computing, embroidery and sowing.

Having met with the directors of UNICEF, UNHCR, World Food Programme, the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation and Caritas,  it is clear that immensely good and faithful work is being carried out daily to provide for the vulnerable victims of this current crisis.”

During his visit, which was arranged by The Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies (RIIFS), His Grace delivered a lecture at the Orthodox Club in Amman at the invitation and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, Patron of RIIFS. The lecture, entitled ‘A time for opportunity and hope in the Middle East’ was also attended by Dr. Hayel Dawood, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, numerous Church and Muslim leaders, diplomats, academics, legal and Middle East experts, and members of the Club.

During the lecture Bishop Angaelos spoke of the need and opportunity for a new narrative concerning the Middle East, saying:   

“This is an opportunity for us as civic and religious leaders to change the narrative and the expectation that the world has of the Middle East. Many now have no expectation of the region except that the situation will go from bad to worse, and that initiatives will be met with greater failure. We know however, because of our Faith, that there is always hope in humanity, and we must build upon that hope.”

Commenting on the role of religion in the Middle East, he went on to say:      

“Religion is seen by many to be the cause of the problem, but we must challenge the view that religion is irrelevant and a cause of conflict, and show that it is actually an essential part of the solution. We must continue to address internal radical interpretations of religion, and create a nuanced narrative and conversation to allow for freedom of choice, prosperity and dignity for all. We must no longer aim to merely ‘tolerate’ those who are different, but value and celebrate them in that difference.”

Speaking to the impact religious leaders can have on the Middle East region, he said:

“We need to be hope in an increasing hopelessness, and light in an increasing darkness. It is not enough for us to only lead in good times. Good leadership is especially required at the most difficult of times. Not only is it required, it is essential, because it is at those difficult times that people look to a beacon, and they look to someone to follow.”

Paying tribute to Prince Hassan and the work of the institute, Bishop Angaelos said:

“What is required of us as leaders, and what is seen here through this Institute and through this initiative, through His Royal Highness and through this Kingdom, is something that is new and welcomed. These efforts should not only be spoken about, they need to be celebrated.”  

Bishop Angaelos concluded with a call for continued collaboration, saying: 

“We are told in our Scriptures that we are the ‘light of the world’ and a ‘city set on a hill’ (Matthew 5:14) that cannot be hidden. Our world today needs that light of hope that is able to conquer all darkness…The time has come that we should not only react to messages of hopelessness, but that we become proactive and take the narrative into our hands, demonstrating a new and alternative model to the world.”

Following the lecture, in his response, Prince Hassan said:        

“…I thank God that we have this opportunity of interacting with love and respect, and not mere tolerance…the message of hope is clear.”

Speaking of a recent visit to a hospital under the care of Medecins Sans Frontieres in Jordan, His Royal Highness said:

“Yet again I saw the grotesquely disfigured, the amputated; a child who saw his father and uncles killed before him, deprived of the capacity of speech. The reconstructive process is not only of the physical framework of the human but of the attitude. They tell me children are not always drawing monsters, and bombs, but they are beginning to draw the sky and the sea and green pastures. So I would like to pay tribute to the nameless people of many nationalities, including many Jordanians, who have been dealing with the consequences of man’s inhumanity to man.”

He went on to say:

“How many families, communities, nations, and regions have to be torn apart before we finally wake up to the importance of change?”​

Later during his visit, Bishop Angaelos met with the Director and Secretary General of the Hashemite Charity Organisation, the Secretary General of the Arab Thought Forum, and the Director of Caritas Jordan, among others, during a lunch hosted by the Hashemite Charity Organisation. He also met with Munther Namat, Director of the Bible Society in Jordan, and visited the sacred sights of the Jordan River and various churches in the Jordan Valley region, as well as the Coptic Orthodox Church and community in Amman. 

*Ends*

***Lecture audio available here: http://bit.ly/21DbSdy***

Prayers for the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ Conference in London - HG Bishop Angaelos

Prayers for the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ Conference

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

4 February 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ conference in London today. As heads of state, and representatives of NGOs, the private sector and civil society gather to consider ways of further supporting the vulnerable and displaced within Syria, and all affected by the refugee crisis, we pray for an effective discussion and fruitful outcome for those so desperately in need of the cooperation, collaboration and support of our world community. 

We give thanks for the immense generosity of both the British public and Her Majesty’s Government, evident in the ongoing support provided to those throughout this war-torn region. It is however undeniable that much more needs to be done by state and non-state actors, as well as individuals. This must simultaneously address both the macro and micro levels of conflict-resolution for the area, and provision for individuals affected by this ongoing conflict.

Although this conference omits religious institutions due to the fact that it focuses purely on matters of funding and social services, it must be acknowledged that some of these, including many Christian and Church, organisations are currently contributing substantially to ongoing social and relief work in the region. With this in mind, it is hoped that decisions will reflect that if 'hearts and minds' in the Middle East are to be challenged and changed, those and similar religious institutions must be included in both discussion and strategy. The fact remains that these legitimate and trusted networks have the greatest reach in their communities and have significant impact, as there is little if any separation in the region between government, civil society and religion. Similarly, existing pastoral and social Church networks on the ground are well placed to assist the most vulnerable in the region, and those without equal access to international support and schemes. 

We pray that all those involved in this and similar initiatives “receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgement and equity” (Proverbs 1:2-4) as they become vehicles and instigators of a restoration of peace, safety and human dignity for so many so in need.

*Ends*

Press Release: Bishop Angaelos speaks at WCC/UN High Level Conference in Geneva on Refugee Crisis

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

                            Media and Communications Office

HG Bishop Angaelos addresses WCC/UN 'High Level Conference' in Geneva on the Refugee Crisis in Europe

18 January 2016

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, spoke today on the practical ways in which leaders and organisations can respond to the current situation of refugees in Europe.

Calling for collaboration he said:

‘This is a problem that is broader and more complex than any single individual, Church, nation or organisation, and so the least we can and should do is work to collaborate.’

Speaking about the decline of Christians in the Middle East, he continued:

‘Where there was once a 25% Christian population in the Middle East it is now around 5%, and tragically 4% of those 5% are in Egypt. Our silence as Churches, nations, and as a world community, has been a contributing factor to this. We have lowered the threshold of human dignity; if people are not dying then it has become acceptable…yet it is up to us to defend those whose God-given rights and freedoms are violated.’

Highlighting the need for compassion when speaking about refugees, His Grace went on to say:

‘We are not speaking of people leaving one less than affluent suburb to go to a more affluent one because they seek a better quality of life; these are people leaving war-torn poverty-stricken and conflict-filled near-anarchic states to find protection and safety for themselves and for their families.’

Highlighting the importance of the role of the Church, he said:

‘We as a Church are the largest NGO in the world, although we are much more than just that, we are the Body of Christ. What holds us together is not social convention or international decree. This is a Scriptural directive; a commandment that we live as the Body of Christ, one Body with one Head, and when one part suffers we all suffer, when one part is captive we are all captive.’

Going on to propose a solution, Bishop Angaelos said:

‘We, as the World Council of Churches, represent these Churches on the ground in the Middle East, and having spoken to many people over the last months and years, and in visiting Irbil, the Greek Macedonian Border, and soon to be visiting camps in Jordan, it has become apparent that Christians are not registered. We must use our Church networks on the ground to aid in the registration process. The Churches on the ground have a pastoral knowledge, experience, respect and integrity, and are trusted by their communities. If people are not registered, they become doubly disadvantaged: persecuted for their religion, Christian or otherwise, and then also by not having equal access to international schemes.’

Bishop Angaelos concluded by saying:

‘We need a unified and unifying approach, to work collaboratively and to understand that we have a role and responsibility to act. This is an ideal opportunity for us to prove that we can effectively and collaboratively respond to this situation, and make a real difference.’

‘We give thanks for our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. We share their pain as they are forced to leave their homelands, and as they embark on these treacherous and life-threatening journeys, but we also give thanks for their stabilising, reconciling and empowering witness. In closing, the message of this gathering to those suffering can be summarised in the words of Revelation 1:9:

“We share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance.”

The conference, hosted by the World Council of Churches in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Fund for Population (UNFPA), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), runs from 18-19 January 2016. It has brought together 80 leaders of governments, UN agencies, faith-based and non-religious civil society organisations from countries affected by the current refugee crisis in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

 *Ends*

Live-stream of conference via http://bit.ly/1NfMBc4

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos on International Human Rights Day 2015

International Human Rights Day 2015

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

10 December 2015

As the world marks yet another Human Rights Day, it has become evident that the past 12 months have proven the need for such a focus and cause to continue to be championed. It would have been welcomed to see those whose rights were violated to have experienced greater freedom, empowerment, prosperity, dignity and safety, yet what has unfolded for many around the world is quite the opposite. We have seen innocent people displaced, tortured, sold into slavery, beheaded and even burned alive, for trying to live the freedom for which they were created.

It may seem simple to perpetrators to violate the rights of those whom they see as less deserving, less entitled, or indeed less human. Until the right of every person to share equally in the gracious gift of life and the appreciation of the sanctity of that life is recognised, these violations will continue, and even be justified, by those who see themselves entitled to determine who does and does not have a right to live, where, and under what conditions.

It is worth stressing that freedom is a right given to all to be experienced individually within a given context, and that context is dependent upon an understanding of self within a cultural identity. What we sometimes see however is some who see themselves as human rights champions and campaigners, imposing their own understanding of freedom upon others, and when their attempts are unsuccessful it is deemed to be the fault of those who could not embrace them. 

In  advocating for, and protecting, the great conventions that safeguard human rights, we must therefore not be prescriptive, or distracted from the fact that protecting those rights should actually be a baseline of our conviction, and realise that people are not only entitled to those rights, but to live with dignity and in a state of safety and security. 

Having said that, we must pay tribute to the immensely valuable and courageous work being done by so many around the world at a great cost to themselves. Advocates, lawyers, politicians, healthcare professionals, aid workers, volunteers and so many more go to great lengths and are subjected to great risks purely for the sake of others. Within a Christian context, they show that there is “no greater love than to lay down one’s life” for another (John 15:3); sometimes quite literally.  These individuals strive tirelessly to uphold principles that are core to our communities, but for many remain a distant dream.

In that same spirit, we all now have an opportunity to exhibit this same humaneness and charity by assisting and even welcoming the many thousands who are displaced and seeking refuge, who are not mere statistics or a phenomenon, but are human beings fleeing conflict and seeking basic human rights and dignity.

Today, we pray particularly for those whose rights to life and dignity continue to be violated, for those who advocate for and serve them, and for those whose hearts are moved to be a vehicle for the provision of support for these many who are deprived of the God-given rights granted to all but enjoyed by so few. 

Article by HG Bishop Angaelos on 'A Christian response to the plight of refugees and displaced peoples'

4 December 2015

A safe passage: a Christian response to the plight of refugees and displaced peoples

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

As countries across Europe unite in their efforts to address the crisis in the Middle East and its root causes and effects, it is important that as Christians, we recognise our role and what we represent in the midst of this crisis.

The Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ is pivotal to our Faith and is the most powerful demonstration of what it means to provide for the needs of others who find themselves in exile, away from their rightful homelands. As humans, we were all victims of the separation from God caused by the weakness of our humanity, and through the Incarnation and Salvation, were restored to our rightful place in Him. When God took flesh, He experienced our pain by sharing in it and not merely observing our situation from a distance. Having said that, the Incarnation of our Lord was not only intended to make humanity feel comfortable in the world (John 17:14-15), but to provide a safe and viable route back to its rightful original place in His Kingdom.

Likewise, we must also feel the pain of those suffering, share their burden, and provide for the immediate humanitarian needs of the vulnerable who are both internally and externally displaced. Our longer-term vision must then be to restore them, if that is their desire, to the lands they have occupied for generations, and in which their heritage and identity lies; a restoration that is founded upon dignity, equality, safety and prosperity.

The idea of providing this means of return is by no means prescriptive, but is based upon the same concept of our Lord having provided us with a viable way to reach His Kingdom through Salvation, but leaving that desire and its related choices to every individual.

We must then continue to work towards safeguarding the dignity of every person we encounter, and to call for the basic God-given rights owed to the countless millions living in unenviable positions of displacement or exile. We must also do all we can to provide for those in greatest need of our support, for in doing so we live the message of the Incarnate Lord, extending our hand and offering ourselves as ministers of His message of hope, light and love (Matthew 5:14).

Bishop Angaelos delivers address and answers questions regarding the refugee crisis during a Churches Together in England (CTE) President’s dinner with Church leaders at Lambeth Palace on 3 December 2015.

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

 Media and Communications Office

Bishop Angaelos delivers address and answers questions regarding the refugee crisis during a Churches Together in England (CTE) President’s dinner with Church leaders at Lambeth Palace on 3 December 2015.

The meeting commenced with a short welcome from The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, followed by a brief introduction by The Rt Revd Nigel Stock, Bishop at Lambeth, and David Cornick, General Secretary of CTE. Speeches were made by Presidents of CTE, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Cardinal of Westminster, and Dr Hugh Osgood.

In beginning his address. His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, commended the work being done by various Faith leaders and communities in response to the refugee crisis, and went on to outline the role Christians and Church leaders in their response, saying:

“The responsibility we have as Christians to be charitable and generous is undeniable, and it is important for us to always be good and faithful conduits of the Christian message of love and hospitality which is indiscriminate and undeniable.”

Speaking of the enormity of the challenge of refugee resettlement and stabilisation, His Grace went on to say:

“There is no way that all those currently displaced within or outside of Syria can be absorbed into other nations, and we must understand that the majority of them do not wish to leave their homelands. If their own places of heritage and history were available to them they would remain in their countries.”

“While we need to focus on the immediate vulnerability of refugees we must also think long-term about providing the possibility of return through safe and legitimate means, to ensure they have safety and refuge in their homelands.”

Urging Faith leaders to rethink rhetoric used in responding to the issue, he said:

“In tackling this issue our threshold has dropped; we are now calling for people not to be executed for their Faith or lack thereof, whereas we must realise and communicate that being alive is not a privilege but a right. We must call for all to live within a context of dignity, equality, safety and prosperity.”

Speaking of the efforts of Muslim faith leaders in their response to extremist ideology, he said:

“We must pay tribute to the Muslim voices that have spoken against these atrocities and also recognise that more must speak out, as this counter-narrative must come from within Islam and its institutions. Not only should we pay tribute to these courageous voices but we must stand by them when they speak because they become targets in challenging the more radical voices around them.”

In conclusion, Bishop Angaelos called for more unified and collaborative efforts, saying:

“We must realise that this is a great opportunity for the Church in England to be a source of light. We must stand collectively to pray, speak and provide hope into these dire situations.”

Quoting Scripture, Bishop Angaelos called for Christians to remember that “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 once strangers…” (Leviticus 19:34)

Press Release: Bishop Angaelos contributes to migration crisis debate during Church of England General Synod 2015

Press Release: Bishop Angaelos contributes to migration crisis debate during Church of England General Synod 2015

25 November 2015

Addressing the situation facing Christians in the Middle East, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, called for continued ecumenical and inter-religious collaboration in response to the complex crisis facing refugees.

Speaking of the crisis as an opportunity for Christians and the Church to act, Bishop Angaelos said:

“We are a united Body of Christ, there is no Church of the East and Church of the West; it is one Body and it suffers equally, and so we need to approach this matter collaboratively. These are, after all, vulnerable people, not merely statistics. We also extend this voice of advocacy to non-Christians, as we cannot just look after 'our own'.”

He went on to say:

“This situation does however present a wonderful opportunity, because there is no greater place for light than in the most abject darkness; so we are here as that light and that hope…We are not here to worry or fear, but to think how we can collaborate. Taking inspiration from Saint Francis, we must work to be the living scripture before all.”

Photo by Geoff Crawford

Reassuring members of the Synod that the crisis is not theirs alone to respond to, Bishop Angaelos concluded by saying:

“We need to collaborate ecumenically as this is not a problem for just the Church of England, but the Church IN England. We are here to work together as Churches with our networks in the United Kingdom and in the Middle East.”

Bishop Angaelos went on to say:

“We must also remember to support our inter-religious friends when they speak out powerfully, as they too become targets.”

He concluded by saying:

“I am thankful for my presence here ecumenically and I see myself as a voice in and a voice out. As a voice in I bring you the voices of the Middle East Church leaders both here in the United Kingdom and across the Middle East who value your support. As a voice out I will present the sentiments that I have felt personally in this chamber that their brothers and sisters here want to support them in every way, and in the words of Revelation 1:9 we do indeed “share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance”.

Following his contribution, The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, urged Synod to:

“Listen carefully to the powerful words of Bishop Angaelos and his colleagues from that part of the world that the ideal situation is not simply, as one of them put it, to create a drain for the people of those countries to escape, but create the means by which they can stay in prosperity, in flourishing and in safety”.

During his contribution, Bishop Angaelos commended the work of many within the Church of England including the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and the Bishops of Durham and Croydon for their continued efforts in responding to the crisis and raising awareness to it. Among others, His Grace also acknowledged the contribution of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Baroness Anelay, Minister for the MENA region Tobias Elwood, and the newly-appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Richard Harrington MP.

This debate came on the second day of Synod, following its inauguration by Her Majesty The Queen on 24 November 2015.

*Ends*

Resources:

• Submission by HG Bishop Angaelos to the International Development Committee’s inquiry into the Government’s response to the Syrian Refugee crisis HERE
• Statements and comments by HG Bishop Angaelos regarding the refugee crisis via www.CopticMediaUK.com

Press Release: Bishop Angaelos gives address on refugee crisis at WCC Consultation in Munich

Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)

Media and Communications Office

Bishop Angaelos gives address on refugee crisis at World Council of Churches Church Leaders Consultation in Munich

29 October 2015

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, spoke of the challenges and opportunities of the current refugee crisis at a World Council of Churches Consultation in Munich, Germany, jointly hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELKB), the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and the World Council of Churches (WCC).

During his address, Bishop Angaelos said:

“We are not only witnessing the immense displacement of vulnerable people fleeing war-torn countries, but a dehumanisation and a loss of dignity of those people…they do not leave their countries unless they feel that they no longer have a viable presence there. We need to look with a new heart, to encourage our states and governments, and all who make decisions, to look at these people as more than mere statistics.”

Speaking of ways to address the crisis, he went on to say:

“This epidemic that we are seeing needs to be addressed collaboratively, across the Church and across religions, nation states, organisations, and international bodies. This crisis is larger than any one person, state, religion, or organisation, and so we need to encourage one another to move on in active collaboration. Without a streamlining of our efforts, we will see a wastage of both human and material resources.”

In conclusion, Bishop Angaelos gave a message of hope:

“As Christians we believe that there is always hope; this is a great opportunity for us all to be light in an abject darkness, and a light that can and will make a difference.”

In speaking about the consultation shortly after his address, Bishop Angaelos said:

“This is a welcomed initiative of WCC and its member Churches to bring Church leaders together from across Europe and discuss the implications both, in the Middle East and in Europe, of what we see unfolding at the moment.

It is widely agreed here that there is a major and complex situation in the Middle East, and that Christians and others are facing immense pressures, living in great risk because of the conflict that is occurring around them.

As I have been saying all along, the complexity of the unfolding situation in the Middle East necessitates a coordinated and collaborative response encompassing nation states, as well as religious and non-governmental organisations and bodies. While this is a great challenge, it is not one that cannot be met if we work together to safeguard those most vulnerable.”

Taking part in the consultation were 35 bishops and Church leaders from 20 countries, and representatives from a variety of Churches across Europe.

The programme included presentations and discussions surrounding values and perspectives in the public sphere, along with discussions of possible future strategies and steps for action to assist those affected by the crisis.

*Ends*