On the 16th November 2011, His Grace Bishop Angaelos attended the service of celebration to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. The service was held at midday at Westminster Abbey, and Her Majesty The Queen accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales were in attendance. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr. Rowan Williams gave the address. The service celebrated the value and significance of the King James Bible in British culture as part of a series of events at the Abbey marking the anniversary.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
His Grace Bishop Angaelos attends The Service of Celebration to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible
On the 16th November 2011, His Grace Bishop Angaelos attended the service of celebration to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. The service was held at midday at Westminster Abbey, and Her Majesty The Queen accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales were in attendance. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr. Rowan Williams gave the address. The service celebrated the value and significance of the King James Bible in British culture as part of a series of events at the Abbey marking the anniversary.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on the Maspero Cairo demonstration of 9 Oct '11
The whole world looked upon Egypt at the beginning of this year with excitement as Egyptians appeared to reclaim their nation, looking towards a more promising future of unity and collaborative efforts for their homeland. Only weeks later however, this idealistic dream started to fade and there was a return of attacks on an unprecedented scale against churches and Christians in Egypt.
For the first time we saw churches burned and demolished with the army looking on and doing nothing. Christians lost their lives, while those who had promised to protect ‘every Egyptian’ looked on. Since then, we have had an escalation of violence from Imbaba to Atfih to Aswan, along with the terrorist bombing of a church in Alexandria earlier this year. The common denominator in all of these, and every other attack for the past decades, is that there has been insufficient official investigation, and an absence of prosecutions and convictions.
This last week however saw a new even more dramatic turn. A peaceful rally, leaving from the Cairo suburb of Shobra and heading to the Maspero state television centre travelled for approximately ten kilometres very peacefully and without incident, bar some stones and rocks being hurled at them at one point. According to reports from the organisers, there were some 60,000 people there: men, women and children, young and old, complete families, marching in an orderly manner.
Once the march entered into the Maspero area however, there was a sudden escalation within moments and the army used excessive lethal force against these peaceful demonstrators. The same army that said in January that it would ‘not fire a single shot against an Egyptian citizen’ and stood by and watched churches burned and Christians killed ‘because it was not in a position to intervene’ now used live ammunition and excessive force in this situation, firing lethal shots to the chest and head while armoured troop carriers were driven directly into crowds, mowing people down and killing many.
Even the premature and unsubstantiated accusations by the military that shots were fired from amongst demonstrators would by no means warrant this level of reaction and retaliation used by armed soldiers.
While these facts speak for themselves, the following must be noted and investigated:
1. The escalation of unrest in Egypt has been caused by the numerous, and until now unresolved, attacks on churches and Christians and these must be investigated, and the perpetrators prosecuted and the situation rectified.
2. Use of this excessive level of force by the military must be investigated by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), bearing in mind that there have been tens of protests and demonstrations by various groups over the past months that have not met this level of reaction to date.
3. The press conference conducted by SCAF has caused outrage with allegations that no shots were fired by the military and that armoured troop carriers were not intentionally driven into demonstrators, asking people to be sympathetic to ‘frightened soldiers.’ Even if there was no ‘intent,’ the drivers of those vehicles have indeed caused death, and thus must be prosecuted. Furthermore, none of the footage of that incident shows any demonstrators carrying firearms, swords or molotov cocktails as alleged.
4. The irresponsible reporting by state media on the day of the Maspero incident must be investigated. There were major infringements included: the making premature, inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims that Christians had been firing shots at the military, reporting derogatory and inflammatory claims made against demonstrators, expressing disgust at ‘disloyal protestors attacking the army’ and publicly televising insults and profanities against Christians and Christianity.
This is indeed a turning point in Egypt's contemporary history. A time in which there can be positive reform and the building of a new Egypt that is cohesive and that instills a sense of citizenship, ownership and responsibility into every Egyptian, ceasing to focus on the person's religion, but more on his or her contribution and accountability to a single nation state. Alternatively, this can be a point at which we merely continue denying the reality of the presence of conflict, leaving unlawful acts unresolved and unprosecuted, presenting one part of the community as a justifiable target, and continuing to drive a wedge between members of a single society, and this will lead to the demise of all.
Persecution is nothing new for Christianity, and especially for Egyptian Christians. Persecution and martyrdom have been an integral part of our identity since the establishment of our Coptic church in the first Century. We have confidence in God, Who is powerful, merciful and victorious; Who maintains His promises and Who seeks to protect His whole creation, if we indeed walk in His way. This is why we do not fear for Christians or Christianity in Egypt. Egypt has been, is, and will continue to be a place in which Christians witness their Faith on a day-to-day basis. We do however fear for Egypt, because it is Egypt that will weaken if Egyptians do not stand together, and if this unhealthy separation and discrimination continues.
Within these days of fast called for by the Coptic Orthodox Church for Egypt, we pray to our God, confident that the solution is in His hands and that His name will be glorified and exalted above all.
For the first time we saw churches burned and demolished with the army looking on and doing nothing. Christians lost their lives, while those who had promised to protect ‘every Egyptian’ looked on. Since then, we have had an escalation of violence from Imbaba to Atfih to Aswan, along with the terrorist bombing of a church in Alexandria earlier this year. The common denominator in all of these, and every other attack for the past decades, is that there has been insufficient official investigation, and an absence of prosecutions and convictions.
This last week however saw a new even more dramatic turn. A peaceful rally, leaving from the Cairo suburb of Shobra and heading to the Maspero state television centre travelled for approximately ten kilometres very peacefully and without incident, bar some stones and rocks being hurled at them at one point. According to reports from the organisers, there were some 60,000 people there: men, women and children, young and old, complete families, marching in an orderly manner.
Once the march entered into the Maspero area however, there was a sudden escalation within moments and the army used excessive lethal force against these peaceful demonstrators. The same army that said in January that it would ‘not fire a single shot against an Egyptian citizen’ and stood by and watched churches burned and Christians killed ‘because it was not in a position to intervene’ now used live ammunition and excessive force in this situation, firing lethal shots to the chest and head while armoured troop carriers were driven directly into crowds, mowing people down and killing many.
Even the premature and unsubstantiated accusations by the military that shots were fired from amongst demonstrators would by no means warrant this level of reaction and retaliation used by armed soldiers.
While these facts speak for themselves, the following must be noted and investigated:
1. The escalation of unrest in Egypt has been caused by the numerous, and until now unresolved, attacks on churches and Christians and these must be investigated, and the perpetrators prosecuted and the situation rectified.
2. Use of this excessive level of force by the military must be investigated by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), bearing in mind that there have been tens of protests and demonstrations by various groups over the past months that have not met this level of reaction to date.
3. The press conference conducted by SCAF has caused outrage with allegations that no shots were fired by the military and that armoured troop carriers were not intentionally driven into demonstrators, asking people to be sympathetic to ‘frightened soldiers.’ Even if there was no ‘intent,’ the drivers of those vehicles have indeed caused death, and thus must be prosecuted. Furthermore, none of the footage of that incident shows any demonstrators carrying firearms, swords or molotov cocktails as alleged.
4. The irresponsible reporting by state media on the day of the Maspero incident must be investigated. There were major infringements included: the making premature, inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims that Christians had been firing shots at the military, reporting derogatory and inflammatory claims made against demonstrators, expressing disgust at ‘disloyal protestors attacking the army’ and publicly televising insults and profanities against Christians and Christianity.
This is indeed a turning point in Egypt's contemporary history. A time in which there can be positive reform and the building of a new Egypt that is cohesive and that instills a sense of citizenship, ownership and responsibility into every Egyptian, ceasing to focus on the person's religion, but more on his or her contribution and accountability to a single nation state. Alternatively, this can be a point at which we merely continue denying the reality of the presence of conflict, leaving unlawful acts unresolved and unprosecuted, presenting one part of the community as a justifiable target, and continuing to drive a wedge between members of a single society, and this will lead to the demise of all.
Persecution is nothing new for Christianity, and especially for Egyptian Christians. Persecution and martyrdom have been an integral part of our identity since the establishment of our Coptic church in the first Century. We have confidence in God, Who is powerful, merciful and victorious; Who maintains His promises and Who seeks to protect His whole creation, if we indeed walk in His way. This is why we do not fear for Christians or Christianity in Egypt. Egypt has been, is, and will continue to be a place in which Christians witness their Faith on a day-to-day basis. We do however fear for Egypt, because it is Egypt that will weaken if Egyptians do not stand together, and if this unhealthy separation and discrimination continues.
Within these days of fast called for by the Coptic Orthodox Church for Egypt, we pray to our God, confident that the solution is in His hands and that His name will be glorified and exalted above all.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos RE the London Riots 11/08/2011
Reflecting on the occurrences of the last week in London and throughout England shows us just how vulnerable our society can be. As with any society, or indeed any group or family, there are always expectations of times of strife, but what matters at these times is the underpinning which holds that group, family, society or nation together.
Many have been alarmed for years about the declining levels of respect for authority of any form in our contemporary culture, whether it be family, schools, the police or the state, which has been spreading through communities and creating a culture supported by either direct or indirect messages from those very same institutions.
It is without a doubt that we believe that God’s plan incorporates all the elements of our lives in the constant work of moulding and shaping our life here on earth. We have a responsibility as church leaders, religious leaders, educators, parents and civil authorities to create an environment of love and entitlement but also of discipline and responsibility. This responsibility must be that of the person towards him or herself, as well as his or her family, community and nation. For far too long, we have looked idly on as a society has continued to rise around us that glamourises crime and gang culture, and encouraged total disregard for any form of authority.
As alarming as the images of the last week have been, they have indeed shed a new and valuable light on where we are going and where we might end up in years to come. Any solution that is to be followed now must be the culmination of much thought and reflection, not only on the incidents of the last week, but also on the various components that have led us to this point. There is indeed no justification for the mindless and aggressive violence and destruction that we have seen over the past days, but at the same time, we must also acknowledge that the people who took part in these riots, although they are a very small minority of our overall British community, are a result of that same community.
We must look at a holistic solution that incorporates parenting, education, social awareness and public policy in finding a productive way forward in the current situation in which we find ourselves, and I am sure after hearing the Prime Minister’s speech and the following House of Commons debate, as well as the statements of various prominent social and religious leaders, that the solution is one that is attainable for the greater good of Britain.
While I was very disturbed at the violent and rampant images over the past days, I have also ironically been feeling a sense of great pride at the way in which the people of Britain have come together at all levels and from all walks of life and rallied to overcome these incidents that will continue to be a living memory and a constant alarm.
Seeing the work of our police force and emergency services as well as our politicians, and members of the general public who have rallied to restore their and our communities around England has reminded me, and must remind us all, that this is what England is really about. This is the England that we must continue to serve and protect; an England that once again regains faith and morality at its core, social responsibility and accountability as its fabric, and a sense of oneness in direction.
As a Church, we have been praying for the repose of those who have departed and comfort for their families, healing for those who have been injured or who have been affected by these attacks in any way, strength and protection upon those who serve and secure our communities, and wisdom and peace to fill every heart throughout the land.
Many have been alarmed for years about the declining levels of respect for authority of any form in our contemporary culture, whether it be family, schools, the police or the state, which has been spreading through communities and creating a culture supported by either direct or indirect messages from those very same institutions.
It is without a doubt that we believe that God’s plan incorporates all the elements of our lives in the constant work of moulding and shaping our life here on earth. We have a responsibility as church leaders, religious leaders, educators, parents and civil authorities to create an environment of love and entitlement but also of discipline and responsibility. This responsibility must be that of the person towards him or herself, as well as his or her family, community and nation. For far too long, we have looked idly on as a society has continued to rise around us that glamourises crime and gang culture, and encouraged total disregard for any form of authority.
As alarming as the images of the last week have been, they have indeed shed a new and valuable light on where we are going and where we might end up in years to come. Any solution that is to be followed now must be the culmination of much thought and reflection, not only on the incidents of the last week, but also on the various components that have led us to this point. There is indeed no justification for the mindless and aggressive violence and destruction that we have seen over the past days, but at the same time, we must also acknowledge that the people who took part in these riots, although they are a very small minority of our overall British community, are a result of that same community.
We must look at a holistic solution that incorporates parenting, education, social awareness and public policy in finding a productive way forward in the current situation in which we find ourselves, and I am sure after hearing the Prime Minister’s speech and the following House of Commons debate, as well as the statements of various prominent social and religious leaders, that the solution is one that is attainable for the greater good of Britain.
While I was very disturbed at the violent and rampant images over the past days, I have also ironically been feeling a sense of great pride at the way in which the people of Britain have come together at all levels and from all walks of life and rallied to overcome these incidents that will continue to be a living memory and a constant alarm.
Seeing the work of our police force and emergency services as well as our politicians, and members of the general public who have rallied to restore their and our communities around England has reminded me, and must remind us all, that this is what England is really about. This is the England that we must continue to serve and protect; an England that once again regains faith and morality at its core, social responsibility and accountability as its fabric, and a sense of oneness in direction.
As a Church, we have been praying for the repose of those who have departed and comfort for their families, healing for those who have been injured or who have been affected by these attacks in any way, strength and protection upon those who serve and secure our communities, and wisdom and peace to fill every heart throughout the land.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
HG Bishop Angaelos with Prime Minister David Cameron at a reception in Downing Street
On Wednesday 27 April 2011, Prime Minister David Cameron hosted a reception at Downing Street for a select group of leaders of Christian Churches, denominations and organisations, among whom was His Grace Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The celebration was in light of the Feast of the Resurrection, and there was no mistaking the sentiment shared amongst the guests, and held by the Prime Minister himself, that Britain is, and has always been, regarded to be first and foremost a Christian country.
The Prime Minister spoke personally with His Grace Bishop Angaelos about the current state of affairs in Egypt, expressing his concern about the state of the Church and Christians there.
With regards to the state of Britain today, Mr. Cameron spoke about the need for families, people of all faiths, communities, and individuals to help one another to build a “more prosperous, more generous society…”, one that churches in particular can and are already contributing to a great deal.
With uncanny boldness the Prime Minister also expressed the need for Britain to acknowledge its Christian identity, acknowledging that at the heart of politics lies a wealth of moral questions to which we should not be afraid to respond with our Christian values.
Prime Minister Cameron was also quoted by the Church Times saying “I’ve never really understood this argument about ‘Should the Church get involved in politics? Yes or no?’ To me, Christianity, Faith, religion, the Church, is involved in politics because so many political questions are moral questions…So I don’t think we should be frightened about having these debates and these discussions, and frankly, sometimes these arguments about politics in our country and what it means to be a Christian and what faith brings to our politics.”
It was evident from the words spoken at the reception that as a leader, the Prime Minister sees Christianity playing a vital role in maintaining integrity in the political sphere, and that the opinion that faith is in some way irrelevant or detrimental to Britain’s identity, or that it is something for our country to be afraid of and hide, is one that needs to be re-assessed.
As further quoted by the Church Times, the Prime Minister said “Easter reminds us all to follow our conscience and ask not what we are entitled to, but what we can do for others. It teaches us about charity, compassion, responsibility, and forgiveness.”
The Prime Minister spoke personally with His Grace Bishop Angaelos about the current state of affairs in Egypt, expressing his concern about the state of the Church and Christians there.
With regards to the state of Britain today, Mr. Cameron spoke about the need for families, people of all faiths, communities, and individuals to help one another to build a “more prosperous, more generous society…”, one that churches in particular can and are already contributing to a great deal.
With uncanny boldness the Prime Minister also expressed the need for Britain to acknowledge its Christian identity, acknowledging that at the heart of politics lies a wealth of moral questions to which we should not be afraid to respond with our Christian values.
Prime Minister Cameron was also quoted by the Church Times saying “I’ve never really understood this argument about ‘Should the Church get involved in politics? Yes or no?’ To me, Christianity, Faith, religion, the Church, is involved in politics because so many political questions are moral questions…So I don’t think we should be frightened about having these debates and these discussions, and frankly, sometimes these arguments about politics in our country and what it means to be a Christian and what faith brings to our politics.”
It was evident from the words spoken at the reception that as a leader, the Prime Minister sees Christianity playing a vital role in maintaining integrity in the political sphere, and that the opinion that faith is in some way irrelevant or detrimental to Britain’s identity, or that it is something for our country to be afraid of and hide, is one that needs to be re-assessed.
As further quoted by the Church Times, the Prime Minister said “Easter reminds us all to follow our conscience and ask not what we are entitled to, but what we can do for others. It teaches us about charity, compassion, responsibility, and forgiveness.”
Monday, 16 May 2011
PUBLIC STATEMENT
International experts and advocates warn of dangerous escalation of attacks on Christians in Egypt and failings of the international media in reporting the incidents accurately.
We, the undersigned group of experts, advocates and faith leaders with an interest in Egypt, religious freedom and human rights, are gravely concerned at the increasing frequency of attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the manner in which such attacks are being reported by the international media.
We rejoiced at the determined yet dignified manner in which the Egyptian people asserted their right to enjoy fundamental freedoms. We were particularly encouraged by the solidarity and compatriotism demonstrated by all of the country’s creeds and political groups throughout demonstrations against the Mubarak regime. It was profoundly moving to see Muslims and Christians take turns in protecting one another while holding prayers in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.
The collapse of the powerful state apparatus and the subsequent power vacuum this created, however, quickly opened a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of social problems that the Mubarak regime had either maintained or failed to address. As anticipated, we are now witnessing political struggles for power and influence in the new Egypt. While most of this is a necessary part of the emergence of true democracy in Egypt, the increase in and intensity of attacks on Christians are indicators of imminent civil unrest and the potential for widespread ethno-religious violence that demands an immediate response.
We are deeply concerned by the nature of these attacks on Christians, and the clear lack of action on the part of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces. These attacks have been following established patterns. They have either been terrorist attacks, or well organized mob attacks by radical Islamist groups, referred to as Salafists, who are demanding Egypt become an Islamic state, free of Christians. Yet far from upholding the revolutionary spirit of unity we witnessed in January and February, the Armed Forces not only fail to provide adequate protection, but also continue to follow the policy of Mubarak’s regime by failing to uphold justice or arrest the real culprits, and by forcing reconciliation meetings on the victims that favor their attackers.
Both local and international media reporting of the attacks have been deeply problematic. Mainstream Egyptian media describes such incidents as communal clashes, with at times, inaccurate reports that they are incited by Coptic Christians. Some Islamic media uses harsher and more dangerous tone, with frequent calls to “punish” and ostracize the 10 million strong Coptic community.
The international media is reporting the attacks as “sectarian clashes”. However, these events are not clashes between two sects, such as Sunni and Shiite clashes in Iraq; they constitute a disturbing pattern of escalating attacks and violence against a minority community. Erroneous wording in media reports enable radical groups to continue their aggression, and the Egyptian authorities to remain oblivious and insensitive towards a vulnerable minority.
As we have seen in all cases of mass violence in the 20th Century, radical groups demanding a homogenized society, poor and compliant state performance and widespread scapegoating in media reports are all early indicators of ethnic violence, massacres and genocides.
Unless the international community shows strong resolve and tenacity in keeping the emerging Egyptian leadership accountable, millions of Egyptian citizens will continue to face escalating violence and serious human rights abuses. We urge the Egyptian authorities to uphold rule of law and show resolve in addressing the worrying trends, which have the potential to pull Egypt into further chaos.
Signatories:*
Ziya Meral; Joseph Crapa Fellow, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
Khataza Gondwe; Team Leader, Africa and the Middle East, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Dr Jenny Taylor, Director, Lapido Media
Paul Marshall, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute Center for Religious Freedom
Nina Shea, Director, Hudson Institute Center for Religious Freedom
Dr Elizabeth Iskander; Dinam Research Fellow, London School of Economics
Thomas F. Farr, Director, Religious Freedom Project- The Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy & Dialogue
Dr Mariz Tadros, Fellow, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex
Adam Hug, Policy Director, the Foreign Policy Centre
Baroness Caroline Cox, CEO, Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust
*Disclaimer: This statement reflects the personal views of the signatories and not their affiliated organizations and institutions.
To contact the signatories and request more information on religious freedom in Egypt, please email: EgyptConcern@gmail.com
We, the undersigned group of experts, advocates and faith leaders with an interest in Egypt, religious freedom and human rights, are gravely concerned at the increasing frequency of attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt, and the manner in which such attacks are being reported by the international media.
We rejoiced at the determined yet dignified manner in which the Egyptian people asserted their right to enjoy fundamental freedoms. We were particularly encouraged by the solidarity and compatriotism demonstrated by all of the country’s creeds and political groups throughout demonstrations against the Mubarak regime. It was profoundly moving to see Muslims and Christians take turns in protecting one another while holding prayers in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.
The collapse of the powerful state apparatus and the subsequent power vacuum this created, however, quickly opened a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of social problems that the Mubarak regime had either maintained or failed to address. As anticipated, we are now witnessing political struggles for power and influence in the new Egypt. While most of this is a necessary part of the emergence of true democracy in Egypt, the increase in and intensity of attacks on Christians are indicators of imminent civil unrest and the potential for widespread ethno-religious violence that demands an immediate response.
We are deeply concerned by the nature of these attacks on Christians, and the clear lack of action on the part of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces. These attacks have been following established patterns. They have either been terrorist attacks, or well organized mob attacks by radical Islamist groups, referred to as Salafists, who are demanding Egypt become an Islamic state, free of Christians. Yet far from upholding the revolutionary spirit of unity we witnessed in January and February, the Armed Forces not only fail to provide adequate protection, but also continue to follow the policy of Mubarak’s regime by failing to uphold justice or arrest the real culprits, and by forcing reconciliation meetings on the victims that favor their attackers.
Both local and international media reporting of the attacks have been deeply problematic. Mainstream Egyptian media describes such incidents as communal clashes, with at times, inaccurate reports that they are incited by Coptic Christians. Some Islamic media uses harsher and more dangerous tone, with frequent calls to “punish” and ostracize the 10 million strong Coptic community.
The international media is reporting the attacks as “sectarian clashes”. However, these events are not clashes between two sects, such as Sunni and Shiite clashes in Iraq; they constitute a disturbing pattern of escalating attacks and violence against a minority community. Erroneous wording in media reports enable radical groups to continue their aggression, and the Egyptian authorities to remain oblivious and insensitive towards a vulnerable minority.
As we have seen in all cases of mass violence in the 20th Century, radical groups demanding a homogenized society, poor and compliant state performance and widespread scapegoating in media reports are all early indicators of ethnic violence, massacres and genocides.
Unless the international community shows strong resolve and tenacity in keeping the emerging Egyptian leadership accountable, millions of Egyptian citizens will continue to face escalating violence and serious human rights abuses. We urge the Egyptian authorities to uphold rule of law and show resolve in addressing the worrying trends, which have the potential to pull Egypt into further chaos.
Signatories:*
Ziya Meral; Joseph Crapa Fellow, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
Khataza Gondwe; Team Leader, Africa and the Middle East, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Dr Jenny Taylor, Director, Lapido Media
Paul Marshall, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute Center for Religious Freedom
Nina Shea, Director, Hudson Institute Center for Religious Freedom
Dr Elizabeth Iskander; Dinam Research Fellow, London School of Economics
Thomas F. Farr, Director, Religious Freedom Project- The Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy & Dialogue
Dr Mariz Tadros, Fellow, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex
Adam Hug, Policy Director, the Foreign Policy Centre
Baroness Caroline Cox, CEO, Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust
*Disclaimer: This statement reflects the personal views of the signatories and not their affiliated organizations and institutions.
To contact the signatories and request more information on religious freedom in Egypt, please email: EgyptConcern@gmail.com
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Statment By HG Bishop Angaelos on Alyoum7 Article regarding Imbaba
Statement from Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church, United Kingdom
In response to what was published on the website of Alyoum7, as originating from Middle East News Agency (London), I have noticed a lack of precision in the report of my interview with BBC World regarding the matter of unrest in Imbaba. My comments are therefore as follows:
There was no mention of this incident being a ‘isolated incident’ but that it is part of a series of similar incidents, starting with the attack on the church of Atfih, which is alarming
There was no mention in the article of my comment that the revolution was a nationalistic one, void of religious separation, and that extremist directions will jeopardise the continuity of the nationalist direction of a ‘new’ Egypt
With respect to the Supreme Military Council, I clearly stated that although the church was built, what was needed was to bring to justice the perpetrators of this crime so that we would not find ourselves in this situation in Imbaba today
Maintaining the right to the correction of misrepresentation, an investigation into, and correction of, this article will be demanded due to the sensitivity of the matter at hand.
بيان من الأنبا انجيلوس الأسقف العام بالمملكة المتحدة
رداً على مانشر على موقع اليوم السابع نقلاً عن وكالة أنباء الشرق الأوسط - لندن لوحظ أنه لم يتم تحري الدقة في نقل الحديث الذي جرى مع هيئة ألاذاعة البريطانية تعقيباً على أحدث امبابة كما يلي
لم يتم ذكر أن ماحدث هو حالة خاصة ولكن ذكر أن تسلسل ألأحداث الأخيرة منذ ماحدث بكنيسة أطفيح يدعو إلى القلق
لم يرد في الخبر ماقيل أن الثورة حينما قامت كانت تمثل جموع المصريين بدون تمييز ديني أو مذهبي ولكن الفكر المتطرف يهدد إستمرار الفكر الوطني وبداية عصر جديد لمصر
في صدد ذكر المجلس الأعلى للقوات المسلحة تم التعليق أنه بالرغم من اعادة بناء الكنيسة المنهدمة بواسطة المجلس كان المطلوب تقديم المتسبب للمحاكمة لكي لا نجد أنفسنا في الوضع الحالي في امبابة
عملاً بحق الرد سوف يطلب تصحيح الخبر وتحري الدقة المطلوبة نظراً لحساسية الموقف
In response to what was published on the website of Alyoum7, as originating from Middle East News Agency (London), I have noticed a lack of precision in the report of my interview with BBC World regarding the matter of unrest in Imbaba. My comments are therefore as follows:
There was no mention of this incident being a ‘isolated incident’ but that it is part of a series of similar incidents, starting with the attack on the church of Atfih, which is alarming
There was no mention in the article of my comment that the revolution was a nationalistic one, void of religious separation, and that extremist directions will jeopardise the continuity of the nationalist direction of a ‘new’ Egypt
With respect to the Supreme Military Council, I clearly stated that although the church was built, what was needed was to bring to justice the perpetrators of this crime so that we would not find ourselves in this situation in Imbaba today
Maintaining the right to the correction of misrepresentation, an investigation into, and correction of, this article will be demanded due to the sensitivity of the matter at hand.
بيان من الأنبا انجيلوس الأسقف العام بالمملكة المتحدة
رداً على مانشر على موقع اليوم السابع نقلاً عن وكالة أنباء الشرق الأوسط - لندن لوحظ أنه لم يتم تحري الدقة في نقل الحديث الذي جرى مع هيئة ألاذاعة البريطانية تعقيباً على أحدث امبابة كما يلي
لم يتم ذكر أن ماحدث هو حالة خاصة ولكن ذكر أن تسلسل ألأحداث الأخيرة منذ ماحدث بكنيسة أطفيح يدعو إلى القلق
لم يرد في الخبر ماقيل أن الثورة حينما قامت كانت تمثل جموع المصريين بدون تمييز ديني أو مذهبي ولكن الفكر المتطرف يهدد إستمرار الفكر الوطني وبداية عصر جديد لمصر
في صدد ذكر المجلس الأعلى للقوات المسلحة تم التعليق أنه بالرغم من اعادة بناء الكنيسة المنهدمة بواسطة المجلس كان المطلوب تقديم المتسبب للمحاكمة لكي لا نجد أنفسنا في الوضع الحالي في امبابة
عملاً بحق الرد سوف يطلب تصحيح الخبر وتحري الدقة المطلوبة نظراً لحساسية الموقف
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
The Church of Egypt Prays for Egypt
My dear sisters and brothers,
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Over the past few weeks there has been a level of uncertainty and instability connected with Egypt and its future, but we have seen millions cling to God, confident in His love and promises, both for the land and its people. At the same time, we see this is a moment for the celebration of a new era in Egypt; we are thankful for God’s blessing, and excited about the changes and His work through them. We pray for our Lord to provide wisdom, direction and guidance now as we enter a new phase of change, that He may oversee the provision of unity, equality, prosperity, safety, joy and peace for all. Indeed it is time to remember and be thankful for His loving message in the Book of Isaiah “Blessed is Egypt, My people...”
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Over the past few weeks there has been a level of uncertainty and instability connected with Egypt and its future, but we have seen millions cling to God, confident in His love and promises, both for the land and its people. At the same time, we see this is a moment for the celebration of a new era in Egypt; we are thankful for God’s blessing, and excited about the changes and His work through them. We pray for our Lord to provide wisdom, direction and guidance now as we enter a new phase of change, that He may oversee the provision of unity, equality, prosperity, safety, joy and peace for all. Indeed it is time to remember and be thankful for His loving message in the Book of Isaiah “Blessed is Egypt, My people...”
I invite you to join me and hundreds of other Egyptians for a day on which "The Church of Egypt Pray for Egypt Day" at the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre on Saturday 5th March from 10.30am to 4.30pm. This will be the day that Egyptian Christians in the United Kingdom from various denominations come together with one heart to pray together for Egypt, joined by members of the wider Egyptian community.
We will share in both Liturgical and non-Liturgical prayer and worship. Lunch will be provided, and the day will be a wonderful opportunity to gather in fellowship.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at Events@CopticCentre.com
I look forward to seeing you on the day, and leave you in the love and care of our gracious Lord.
+Bishop Angaelos
General Bishop
Coptic Orthodox Church
United Kingdom
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BishopAngaelos
-------------------------------
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44 (0)1438 745232
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Personal Email: Angaelos@CopticCentre.com
Office Email: Admin@CopticCentre.com
Friday, 4 February 2011
Prayer for Egypt
My dear friends,
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today we remember the words of the Lord our God: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
As we all ask questions that appear to have no answer, we must remember that, as quoted above, God already has the answer, and that is one based on His unchanging heart towards us; the answer is one of peace, a future and hope. Our hearts and thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Egypt, so let us raise those hearts to God today, asking peace and direction for all in Egypt, knowing that we are all in God’s hands, and remembering the reassuring words of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).
Asking protection for the protestors, restraint for the army and police, wisdom for those in power, and peace and protection for the whole blessed land, let us pray today with peace in our hearts, and power and confidence in our God, knowing that He is always faithful in all His promises.
Raising my heart and hands with you today, I leave you in the love and care of our gracious Lord.
+Bishop Angaelos
General Bishop
Coptic Orthodox Church
United Kingdom
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BishopAngaelos
--------------------------------
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Also visit www.BishopAngaelos.org
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today we remember the words of the Lord our God: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
As we all ask questions that appear to have no answer, we must remember that, as quoted above, God already has the answer, and that is one based on His unchanging heart towards us; the answer is one of peace, a future and hope. Our hearts and thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Egypt, so let us raise those hearts to God today, asking peace and direction for all in Egypt, knowing that we are all in God’s hands, and remembering the reassuring words of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).
Asking protection for the protestors, restraint for the army and police, wisdom for those in power, and peace and protection for the whole blessed land, let us pray today with peace in our hearts, and power and confidence in our God, knowing that He is always faithful in all His promises.
Raising my heart and hands with you today, I leave you in the love and care of our gracious Lord.
+Bishop Angaelos
General Bishop
Coptic Orthodox Church
United Kingdom
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BishopAngaelos
--------------------------------
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Also visit www.BishopAngaelos.org
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