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Press Release: Baroness Anelay meets with HG Bishop Angaelos at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre to discuss matters relating to Christians in the Middle East, Human Rights, and Freedom of Religion or Belief

4 May 2016

The Rt Hon. the Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE, Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, was received by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, at The Coptic Centre in the UK. During the visit discussions took place on matters of vulnerable communities in the Middle East, human rights, freedom of religion or belief, and the necessity for potential collaboration between Her Majesty’s Government and Faith leaders in the UK.

After a tour of the Cathedral of Saint George with the Baroness, Bishop Angaelos said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Baroness Anelay to our Centre and have an opportunity to discuss collaboration for the most vulnerable. I have appreciated the minister’s work since her appointment, and assured her that we would not only continue to assist with these faithful efforts in any way we can, but would be praying for her and all those who support this ongoing work.”

After the visit Baroness Anelay said:

“I was delighted to visit the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre and learn more about the Coptic Orthodox Church and British Coptic community, as well as His Grace’s role in bringing together Middle Eastern Christian leaders from different denominations. I greatly value these interactions with His Grace, and his continuous engagement with the FCO on our human rights work. Faith leaders provide a valuable perspective and play an important role in tackling a wide range of foreign policy challenges. I look forward to future collaboration with the Church in this regard.”

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