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Comment by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on the emergence of revelations relating to the Archbishop of Canterbury

9 April 2016

The emergence of revelations relating to our dear brother Archbishop Justin and his family remind us of the vulnerability of anyone who takes public office, and more so those who are called to public ministry. These revelations would have been startling and painful enough for any individual and his family to learn and process, but to have them revealed and discussed so publicly will need a very particular grace. Thankfully however, we know that this grace is in no short supply in the lives of Archbishop Justin and his family.

In his personal statement on the matter, Archbishop Justin writes:

‘I have had a life of great blessing and wonderful support, especially from Caroline and our children, as well as a great many wonderful friends and family. My own experience is typical of many people. To find that one’s father is other than imagined is not unusual. To be the child of families with great difficulties in relationships, with substance abuse or other matters, is far too normal.

This revelation has, of course, been a surprise, but in my life and in our marriage Caroline and I have had far worse. I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes. Even more importantly my role as Archbishop makes me constantly aware of the real and genuine pain and suffering of many around the world, which should be the main focus of our prayers.

Although there are elements of sadness, and even tragedy in my father’s (Gavin Welby’s) case, this is a story of redemption and hope from a place of tumultuous difficulty and near despair in several lives. It is a testimony to the grace and power of Christ to liberate and redeem us, grace and power which is offered to every human being.

At the very outset of my inauguration service three years ago, Evangeline Kanagasooriam, a young member of the Canterbury Cathedral congregation, said: “We greet you in the name of Christ. Who are you, and why do you request entry?” To which I responded: “I am Justin, a servant of Jesus Christ, and I come as one seeking the grace of God to travel with you in His service together.” What has changed? Nothing!’

I know that it is unconventional to quote such a long passage from another’s statement, but I found the archbishop’s to be very moving indeed, and indicative of the peace, love, forgiveness and resolve that we are not only all called to, but all endowed with if we but allow God’s healing, reconciling and comforting presence in our lives. This is of course also indicative of the personable and ‘real’ character we have all come to know to be Justin Welby, who, I am confident, will have this experience further enrich his ministry of compassion.

We pray for Archbishop Justin and his family, and particularly his mother, as they deal with this challenging time, and for all those unknown to us who must go through similar experiences every day, but who may not be so supported. We also pray healing for every pain, reconciliation for every struggle, and hope for every apparently hopeless situation.

*Ends*

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HG Bishop Angaelos conferred the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism by HG the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace days after receiving the Coventry Cross of Nails at Coventry Cathedral

Click photograph for video interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury

1 April 2016

The Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism was conferred upon His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, on 31 March 2016 at Lambeth Palace. The Lambeth Cross has been the highest honour bestowed by the Archbishop of Canterbury since 1939 and is conferred to distinguished hierarchs who have rendered exceptional services to the cause of Christian unity.

Speaking directly to Bishop Angaelos in an interview after conferring him with the Lambeth Cross the Archbishop said:

“My encounter with Orthodoxy through you has been a really profound experience in my life. It has changed much of my understanding of what the Church is universally. I have never had that much engagement with Orthodoxy, and certainly not with Coptic Orthodoxy. I found a completely different understanding, a much deeper sense of being drawn into the Body of Christ, and this is a recognition of the importance of your role in presenting to the United Kingdom and to the Church that we belong to one another in Christ.”

Speaking of the effect of his encounter with Orthodoxy, Archbishop Justin went on to say:

“[this] has been a major step forward in my own spiritual journey, and His Grace has been a major feature in that; and it is part of what he has done in England across many communities, including of course with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.”

In response to the Archbishop’s comments, Bishop Angaelos said:

“This has been a wonderful time for a great partnership. The fact that there is an opportunity to work with Your Grace, with the Church of England, and with the Anglican Communion worldwide to advocate for others is wonderful because it comes at a time at which we must stand together. Your Grace and the Church of England have been very vocal on these issues, along with, as you mentioned, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. It is time for us to speak collaboratively and powerfully. It is only by the world seeing us standing together and witnessing that what we have in common is more than what separates us, that it realises that we have common ground, especially for those who are not so privileged as we are to speak.”

The ceremony was followed by evensong in the Archbishop’s Chapel and a reception in the Guard room, after which Bishop Angaelos said:

“I am honoured and humbled to receive the Lambeth Cross from His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. I believe this is a crucial time for us to work and witness together as Churches, Christian leaders and Christians as a whole, to send a more positive and encouraging message of who we are and what we stand for, and to speak for those who struggle here in Britain, in the Middle East and around the world. We are very fortunate to have strong ecumenical ties in Britain, and a visible unity and collaboration that makes the Church relevant and its input effective, and for this we must all be extremely thankful.”

Going on to say:

“At a time of increasing challenge and darkness, when there appears to be no hope, and those who threaten us appear to be stronger, our hope and strength lies well and truly in our unity, in our shared vision, and in our commitment to do what we can, not only for ourselves but for the world around us.”

Earlier in the week, after having preached at the Easter Sunday Coventry Cathedral service at the invitation of the Bishop of Coventry, His Grace Bishop Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop Angaelos was also awarded the Coventry Cross of Nails in recognition of his work on reconciliation by the Dean of Coventry Cathedral, the Very Reverend John Witcombe. The Coventry Cross of Nails is recognised throughout the world as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Although it has been awarded to hundreds of charities and organisations over many years, it is only rarely presented to individuals.

Commenting on the week, Bishop Angaelos said:

 “Building bridges, forging relationships and engaging in partnership and collaboration is something I believe we must all be committed to on a daily basis. I am thankful to be surrounded by many good friends with whom I work so closely and am honoured to have received this recognition from not only the ‘Archbishop of Canterbury’, the ‘Bishop of Coventry’, and the ‘Dean of Coventry’ but from dear friends and brothers in a shared ministry and witness.”

These two awards were preceded by Bishop Angaelos being conferred the honour of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for ‘Services to International Religious Freedom’ by Her Majesty The Queen in 2015. These three awards represent three core components of His Grace’s ministry: Ecumenism, Reconciliation and Religious Freedom, alongside his pastoral and youth ministry.

*Ends*

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HG Bishop Angaelos speaks on a National Press Club panel in Washington DC on ‘Declaring Genocide: Equality and Dignity for Humanity as a Whole’ on 10 March 2016

10 March 2016

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, spoke at a Press Conference regarding a potential U.S. Genocide declaration in response to actions of the Caliphate against the Yazidi and Christian communities in the Middle East. The event was held at The National Press Club in Washington DC on 10 March 2016, and co-sponsored by The Knights of Columbus and Indefense of Christians (IDC).

In his address, entitled ‘Declaring Genocide: Equality and Dignity for Humanity as a Whole’ Bishop Angaelos said:

 “We are here to speak about an issue of human rights and human dignity and the sanctity of life, regardless of faith or ethnicity. If an act of Genocide is decreed, it must be based indiscriminately on the facts alone.”

While holding a copy of the recent report on ‘Genocide against Christians in the Middle East’ released by The Knights of Columbus for the State Department, he continued:

“If we look at Article 2 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) we find that these acts against Christians in the Middle East fall very much in line with the requirements laid out by the United Nations.

I draw your attention now to the picture on the front of the report which depicts 21 of our own Coptic Christians who were brutally murdered in Libya last year. They were intentionally targeted and murdered purely for their Christian Faith.”

Stressing the importance of including Christians in the classification of Genocide, Bishop Angaelos said:

“If Christians are excluded from the classification of Genocide, my concern, fear and expectation is that we will be responsible for a greater and more ruthless campaign of persecution against them, not only in Iraq and Syria but throughout the region.

People on the ground, regardless of rhetoric, stipulation and convention, will perceive that the international community has supported one group over another, and Christians will become a greater soft target. How can we not declare Genocide if Christians are suffering the same fate, at the same time, under the same conditions, at the hands of the same perpetrators?”

Going on to speak about the violation of basic God-given rights, he said:

 “What is happening in the Middle East and Syria is criminal and is an indictment of our humanity if left unaddressed. Whether speaking of Yazidis, Christians or other communities, the atrocities they face are deplorable and warrant not only our concern but our intentional action.

 These are atrocities not only against international convention, but against a God-given right for people to live free, safe and dignified.”

 Warning the international community regarding neglect of those suffering in the Middle East, Bishop Angaelos said:

 “Inaction is inexcusable and will lead to a further persecution, not only of Christians but of others. It has also led to an unprecedented displacement of people and the resulting refugee crisis that we are witnessing. Having been to Erbil and to the Z’atari camp in Jordan last week, and the transit camps in Europe, I have seen the direct effects of that persecution.”

Bishop Angaelos concluded by saying:

 “The path to Genocide is not laid overnight. It is a result of a gradual accumulation over decades, involving ongoing persecution and marginalisation of vulnerable communities. Having gone unchecked on our watch, this has led to our desensitisation and the acceptance of this discriminatory dynamic as the status quo.

 In declaring Genocide we are looking to address and flag up the unbearable suffering of communities and subsequently work for the safeguarding of God-given rights enshrined in Universal and international law. We are not looking just to carry out a statistical process, but to safeguard safety not protection, prosperity not charity, and to ensure dignity and not mere survival.”

 Alongside His Grace, panellists included, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Knights of Columbus, Nina Shea, Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, Johnnie Moore, President of The Kairos Company, Professor Gregory Stanton, Founding President, Genocide Watch, Juliana Taimoorazy,Founder, Iraqi Christian Relief Council, Father Joola, Chaldean Catholic Church in Erbil,Father Douglas al-Bazi, former hostage, now a priest at Mar Elia Refugee Camp in Erbil, Iraq, and Professor Robert Destro, Professor of Law and founding Director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Law & Religion at The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law in Washington.

*Ends*

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PRESS RELEASE
Shephalbury field preserved through deal between NHC and The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom

A deal between North Hertfordshire College and The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom has ensured that an important piece of Stevenage land will be preserved for community use.

Read in full, click: Press Release

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Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

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Media and Communications Office

21 Libya Copts Remembered in Westminster Prayer Service and the Church of England General Synod

15 February 2016

The 21 Coptic Christians brutally executed in Libya one year ago remembered in a prayer service in the Palace of Westminster, during morning prayers at the Church of England General Synod, and in a Vespers Service at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George in the United Kingdom.

A service of commemoration for the 21 Coptic Christians martyred in Libya 12 months ago was held in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster on 10 February 2016. The service was attended by members of both Houses of Parliament and co-hosted by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. A statement was released by Bishop Angaelos to mark the anniversary. Prayers were also offered, along with a moment of standing in silence, in memory of the 21 Copts at opening prayers of Church of England General Synod.

Speaking in memory of the 21 Copts Bishop Angaelos said:

‘One profound result and gift of this horrific act is that it brought people together. These men paid the ultimate price, but gave us a cause to advocate for all those persecuted; they also showed us that there was a level of evil that we must all stand in solidarity against, and a level of courage, faithfulness and defiance that we must all aspire to.’
Following the Westminster prayer service, The Lord Alton of Liverpool said:

‘It is especially important that we mark the anniversary of the brutal murder of the 21 Coptic Christians in Libya a year ago, not only to keep them in our memory, but to remember and advocate for all those who continue to face persecution in the Middle East. What is happening to Christians and minorities in the region is nothing short of Genocide and we must not stand by and watch as whole communities are eradicated.’

After the service, The Revered Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons said:
‘In marking today we are sending a statement out to the world to say that these individuals are not forgotten. We remember them, we remember what happened to them, and we will forgive because we belong to God. I also hope that it is sending a message that we stand together.’

Bishop Nigel Stock, Bishop at Lambeth, who also represented the Archbishop of Canterbury at the service, said:

‘Proclaiming the Christian Faith is very costly, and we remember a year ago when we heard the news of this terrible crime how shocking it was for the whole Church as it brought home the dangers that people are facing and the consequences of violence that is motivated by hatred of a particular religion.

It was good to see that this service was attended by people from both Houses and others because it sends a sign that this is of concern for the whole world and the whole Church. We have been told the stories of how these young men did not waver in their Faith, kept proclaiming Christ as they fell as martyrs, and that courage, that sheer strength of Faith in Christ, is an inspiration for all of us.’

Vespers prayers will be held later today in the Cathedral of Saint George at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom in memory of the 21 Copts who lost their lives on 15 February 2015, also remembering their families and others who continue to suffer religious persecution around the world.

*Ends*

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Anniversary of the 21 Coptic Christians Martyred in Libya

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

12 February 2016

For decades we have witnessed the systematic intimidation, persecution, abduction, and even execution of Christians and minorities in the Middle East, but the horrific murder of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya 12 months ago had a significant and marked effect on millions around the world. This reaction seemed to clearly indicate that even evil had a line it should not cross.

The Egyptians, and their friend from Ghana, who were brutally murdered were not statesmen, religious leaders, activists or spokesmen, but ordinary men from villages working to support their families. Those who took their lives sought not only to victimise and disempower them, but to be triumphalist and instil fear in them and in the hearts and minds of all who witnessed this crime. What resulted however was a vision of honour, dignity and resilience demonstrated by these 21 men as they faced the final moments of their lives with their heads raised, and their lips calmly, powerfully and defiantly uttering their Faith. They indeed did “…not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28).

An even stronger and more inconceivable message of forgiveness came from their families and communities. They rejected the temptation to become bitter, angry and vengeful, and inspired the world with their gracious and courageous sentiment. Speaking proudly of the resilience of their fathers, brothers, and sons, who had captured the attention of the whole world, they also uttered their forgiveness for those who had so brutally and needlessly taken their lives, and who sought to rob them of their dignity.

Over this last year, the persecution of Christians and minorities in the Middle East has been relentless. We have seen communities forced to leave their historic homelands and places of heritage that they had been an instrumental part of for generations. We continue to witness an unprecedented brutality which includes abductions, decapitation, people burned and buried alive, sold into slavery, women sold as sex slaves and children either sold or recruited as child fighters. These crimes are a polar opposite to the civilisation that we should have reached in the life of equality and freedom that we both seek and advocate for around the world. This shows what can happen when we are not vigilant.

What we are now seeing played out in the Middle East has not happened overnight, but has come after generations of the alienation, marginalisation and persecution of Christians and minority groups throughout the region. Boundaries are challenged and pushed, and when there is no repercussion they are pushed further. The phenomenon starts with people being denied daily justice and equality in society, they are then deemed irrelevant and inconsistent, in the eyes of some, with what the region should be, and finally, they are persecuted, displaced and sometimes even killed.

We must continue to look at the Middle East, and indeed every place where there is persecution, and not only condemn that persecution but work to restore the basic God-given rights and freedoms that we should all be able to live, for “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). The 21 Coptic Christians and 30 Ethiopian and Eritrean Christians, along with the thousands who have died at the hands of those who seek to instil terror, are far too many.

While the picture is bleak, as a Christian I know that the greatest place for light is in darkness, and the greatest opportunity to do good is where there is greatest evil. In seeing all that we have over the last year in the Middle East, it has also given rise to so many examples of bravery, generosity, faithfulness, and a powerful witness of good. We must continue to advocate, to stand for what we believe God has given to us as humanity, to be powerful in the face of injustice, generous in the face of atrocity, forgiving in the face of hatred, reconciliatory in the face of conflict and light in the presence of any darkness.

*Ends*

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Prayers for the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ Conference in London

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*

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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

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His Grace Bishop Angaelos calls for the return of His Holiness Abune Antonios I of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, while also praying repose for Abune Dioskoros

22 December 2015

After having received confirmation of the death of Abune Dioskoros, we pray for his repose and for the faithful of our sister Eritrean Orthodox Church. This trying and indeed painful time presents an opportunity for a reunion between the Eritrean Orthodox Church and her canonically-recognised father, His Holiness Patriarch Antonios I, who was deposed and unjustly placed under house arrest in 2005.

This would indeed be a good time for the release of Abune Antonios, returning him to his patriarchal, pastoral responsibilities, and once again uniting the deeply faithful and committed members of the Eritrean Orthodox Church around the world. Such steps will undoubtedly restore peace and a sense of justice that would contribute significantly to Eritrea and the Eritrean community globally.

During this blessed season of Advent that heralds in hope and a promise of restoration, we pray good health for His Holiness Abune Antonios, who has reportedly been unwell for some time, healing for the Eritrean Church at large, repose for Abune Dioskoros, and for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into every heart and every situation, both now and moving forward.