PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
3 September 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

In an unprecedented ecumenical gathering at Lambeth Palace hosted by The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and initiated by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, a joint statement was agreed by leaders and representatives of the Churches of the Middle East and the wider Christian Church in Britain.

The meeting began with a round table discussion regarding the plight of Christians and minority communities in Iraq, Syria and the wider Middle East. A joint statement was then agreed, expressing solidarity with, and advocating for, all those who continue to suffer gross violations of the fundamental right and freedom to practice their chosen faith.

The round table discussion was followed by a service of prayer to give thanks for Christians in the Middle East and to remember all those who have lost their lives or continue to suffer persecution. A short press briefing followed.

After the meeting, Bishop Angaelos said:

It is incomprehensible and unacceptable in the 21^stCentury that our sisters and brothers in the Middle East face intimidation and death for exercising their freedom of religion or belief, or merely being of a certain ethnic background.

We have gathered today as leaders and representatives of Churches in the Middle East within the wider Church in Britain to stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their Christian faith, as well as all who fall victim to injustice.

We have spoken in one voice, calling for the continued support of Christians and minority groups across the Middle East, and pray protection upon them while they remain steadfast in the face of unimaginable challenges.

With regards to media coverage of the plight of Christians in the Middle East, Archbishop Justin said:

When you are looking at the murder and the slaughter of vast numbers of people there is never enough in terms of coverage, and it is easy to forget that is part of a global process of immense suffering. I think in looking at the Middle East we hope that the media will not move on quickly but will continue to remember those who are suffering so greatly.
The statement is below:

Meeting and Service of Prayer for Christians in the Middle East

REJOICING IN THEIR FAITH AND SHARING IN THEIR COLLECTIVE PAIN

3 September 2014

A new situation has arisen which creates a state of emergency in the Middle East for Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities. The recent increase in violence and aggression has resulted in gross violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in the region. We gathered today as Christians including those originally from the Middle East to stand in solidarity and prayer with our brothers and sisters who seek to practice their faith and belief in lands where they have been a continuing presence for centuries.

The Middle East is the birthplace of Christianity, and home to indigenous Christian communities that have been an indispensable part of its history. Despite the challenges, Christians in the region were and are a stabilising and reconciling presence. Today, particularly in Iraq and Syria, they are at great risk from violence fostered by extremist ideologies which no longer see them as being part of the future. The Middle East is in desperate danger of losing an irreplaceable part of its identity, heritage and culture.

We are seeing an extreme religious ideology that knows no limits in its persecution of those who are culturally or religiously different. Those who promote this intolerance must be challenged and the perpetrators of violence held to account. The suffering of those who bear the brunt of its terror requires us to act and bear witness to their plight, whatever ethnic group or religious minority, they come from. We must provide relief and safety for those displaced and in fear of their lives in consultation with our partners in the region. We must also bring pressure to bear on those who can provide security to those affected.

In meeting and praying together, we give thanks for our brothers and sisters as they continue to live their Christian faith with strength and perseverance. We commit to continue to stand with them in prayer, to speak for freedom from persecution for Christians and all other religious communities and those of no faith who live as minority groups across the region. We also continue to urge Her Majesty’s Government to work within the international community to safeguard and provide for all those affected.

To our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, We “share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance.” Revelation 1:9

*Ends*

Announcement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom regarding His Eminence Metropolitan Bakhomios

His Eminence Metropolitan Bakhomios of Boheira and Pentapolis, and former Locum Tenens of the Coptic Orthodox Church, was transported by air ambulance from Cairo to England on 27 August 2014, after which he was transferred and admitted to a London hospital for treatment. His Eminence was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Biemen of Quos and Naqada.

Physicians treating His Eminence report that his temperature is now normal, his condition is stable and he is undergoing further tests and investigations. We pray for his speedy recovery, that he may return to his diocese, his flock, and to the whole Church at the earliest possible time.

Visits are currently not permitted on medical advice.

20 August 2014

 Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

 Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

 On 19 August 2014, presenter Stephen Sackur interviewed His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on BBC HARDtalk regarding Christians and minorities in the Middle East.

 Watch the interview HERE

The programme will also be broadcast on BBC 2 on Tuesday 26 August at 10:35am BST

If outside the United Kingdom, the schedule is as follows on BBC World TV: Wednesday 20 August – 14:30 GMT, 20:30 GMT

Visit the BBC UK HARDtalk website and BBC World HARDtalk website

For immediate use 14 August 2014

 Coptic Orthodox Church UK Media and Communications Office

 Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe) Media and Communications Office

 Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, on the anniversary of the unprecedented attacks on Churches in Egypt, and the current situation in Iraq, Syria and the Middle East As we witness the atrocities in Iraq and Syria, and share the pain of those who are displaced and have lost loved ones, we also remember those commemorating the first anniversary of painful events that unfolded in Egypt over the coming days. Whether considering communities and families who lost loved ones in the pro-Morsi protests in the suburbs of Cairo, or the scores of Christian communities whose churches and places of ministry throughout Egypt were subsequently attacked, the continuing need for healing and reconciliation is ever present. These events in Egypt are now anall-too-distant memory for many around the world, but for those personally touched by them, there remains real pain. For most, this pain is accompanied by a sense of immense loss, while for some who take a more radical line, by anger and a need for violent retribution. This need drove a small minority, a year ago, to retaliate against the scapegoated Christian community of Egypt that chose the extraordinary path of non-retaliation despite the unjustified and unprecedented level of attacks. Their restraint was, and continues to be, a powerful witness that has provided a strong foundation for peace and reconciliation. Whether addressing Egypt, Iraq, Syria, or the broader Middle East, peace, stability, cohesion and reconciliation are traits of unified and unifying states, and can not come about without the support of a proactive and intentional effort from those who govern them. With the atrocities we are witnessing at the forefront of our minds, we continue to advocate for those, regardless of race, religion or belief, who are suffering, and pray God’s grace and strength upon them as they currently endure immense challenges and persecution, and endeavour to move ahead from a place of mourning and loss. As the situation facing Christians and minority groups in the Middle East increasingly spirals to new and dangerous levels of exclusion and dehumanisation, the need is intensified for both the unified Body of Christ within the Christian family, and the global community as a whole, to stand in solidarity with those suffering, condemn acts of brutality, and provide whatever assistance may be needed, while at the same time, explore every possible means of healing, rebuilding and restoring of communities and lives. We continue to hold those suffering great struggles, indignity and the loss of precious human life in our prayers, that grace, healing and strength be bestowed upon them all at this time. We also pray for those committing these atrocities, that they will one day realise the sanctity and dignitygranted equally by God to every human life. *Ends* View all statements and press releases via www.CopticMediaUK.com 

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

25 July 2014

As the widespread violence and aggression facing Christians and minority groups in Mosul, Iraq, intensifies, it is increasingly evident that the fundamental right and freedom to practice one’s Faith and belief is, and continues to be, grossly violated.

We are currently witnessing an unacceptable widespread implementation of extremist religious ideology that threatens the lives of all Iraqi’s who do not fit within its ever-narrowing perspective. While this situation stands to eradicate centuries of co-existence and culture in the region it also threatens to significantly and negatively impact these communities for generations to come. If left unchallenged, it is not Iraq alone that is at risk, but the potential is intensified for the replication of this ideology as a viable and legitimate model for others across the Middle East.

As the situation escalates, little is being said in the worldwide community, and I am therefore appreciative of the recent comment by The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, and its Chairman, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, expressing its concern over the current situation in Mosul. Comments such as this have the potential to positively influence these and similar situations by challenging what is being taught, and presenting an alternative religious understanding.

We continue to pray and advocate for all whose God-given right to freedom is denied, hoping that acceptance and respect for all is realised in these affected communities, and that grace, healing and strength will be given to those who continue to suffer great atrocities and the loss of precious human life.

*Ends*

For more statements, comments and press releases please visit our Media and Communications Office website via www.CopticMediaUK.com

For immediate use
16 May 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

Freedom of Faith

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

The freedom to choose and practice one’s faith is a fundamental right for all under international law, and yet we continue to see numerous tragic cases around the world in which that same right is non-existent, and exercising this freedom is punishable, sometimes even by death.

As Christians we believe that all are created in the Image and likeness of God, with His Image intrinsic to our human nature, which lays the foundation for respect and love for all. Within this nature, we believe that all have been given the freedom to choose and live according to those choices, and while freedom of religion is one choice that is central to the lives of millions across the world, it continues to be widely violated.

As recently reported by Amnesty International, Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag is a Christian Sudanese woman in Sudan who was sentenced “to death by hanging for ‘apostasy’” after refusing to renounce her Christian Faith and convert to Islam, although she has lived as a Christian since her childhood. Meriam, who is twenty seven years old and is eight months pregnant, was reportedly also sentenced to “flogging for ‘adultery’” because her marriage to a Christian man is considered unlawful. This, among other cases, sheds light on the intensity of the struggle facing so many around the world who strive to merely practice their faith.

The recent and deeply-disturbing development of the kidnapped schoolgirls in Nigeria who have reportedly been forced to convert to Islam is yet another incident that has shocked the international community, and in which this brutal violation of this fundamental human right is also causing great distress to families who anxiously await the return of their children.

Egyptian Christians know the effect of religious persecution against numeric minority communities in the Middle East all too well, with the emergence of pockets of intolerant Islamism that have led to more attacks on Christians in the eighteen months following the popular uprising of 2011, than over the twenty years prior. This intolerance has not only affected Christians however, as the first attacks after the uprising were on Sufi shrines, and on a separate occasion Shi’ite Muslims were also senselessly killed in the streets. That said, as Christians we do not live defeated but strive to advocate for all who suffer persecution, oppression and marginalisation, be they Christian or otherwise, man, woman, young or old.

The Baha’i community in Iran is likewise no stranger to religious persecution, and 14 May 2014 marks the sixth anniversary of the imprisonment of seven Baha’i leaders, detained for carrying out ‘peaceful activities on behalf of their communities’.

Here in Britain we pride ourselves on our multi-cultural community that seeks to accommodate and provide for all, and rightly so. We cannot however ignore the fact that, for many across the Middle East in particular, the concept of citizenship, justice and equality are not rights available to everyone, and are very much dependent on a person’s religious affiliation.

We must not forget those around the world who continue to face intense persecution for merely attempting to live out their chosen faith. We also continue to pray and advocate for the rights of these individuals and communities so that this God-given freedom may be exercised within the context of peaceful co-existence and cohesion. This will then ensure a spirit of true reconciliation and acceptance within political states and communities that respect all as equal individuals with equal rights.

*Ends*

View online via The Coptic Orthodox Church Media and Communications Office Website: CopticMediaUK.com

Ayatollah Tehrani’s gift stirs global conversation on religious co-existence

The ground-breaking gift of a senior Iranian cleric to the worldwide Baha’i community is beginning to stir a global conversation about religious co-existence and freedom of religion.

More statements of support for the actions and words of Ayatollah Abdol-Hamid Masoumi-Tehrani have been issued in the United Kingdom and India, and other prominent individuals are offering comments in the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.

The response comes after Ayatollah Tehrani bravely gave to the Baha’is of the world a calligraphic rendering of Baha’i sacred verses, along with a plea for religious “co-existence”.

In the United Kingdom, Catholic Archbishop Kevin McDonald said in a statement on Thursday: “In interreligious relations it is vital that adherents of different religions come to understand each other more deeply and more sympathetically. This development within the Iranian context is therefore particularly significant and welcome.” Archbishop McDonald is director of the Office for Interreligious Relations of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

Also on Thursday in the United Kingdom, Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement praising Ayatollah Tehrani, saying he prays that the promotion of tolerance and co-existence will “become increasingly manifest not only in Iran but across the Middle East and the world.”

“Within the last few years it has become increasingly apparent that one of the most important rights to preserve is that of religious freedom, yet many across the world remain persecuted for their beliefs and are denied that very basic right,” said Bishop Angaelos. “As Christians we believe that God created individuals with a freedom to choose and practice their personal religion and belief, and viewing this as an essential gift we continue to advocate for all who are entitled to this,” he said.

Harry van Bommel, a Member of Parliament in the Netherlands, published news of Ayatollah Tehrani’s actions on his blog, saying: “The action of this Ayatollah is important and does not stand alone. There are a growing number of religious scholars who together form a constructive and principled voice [for religious co-existence] that deserves to be supported and promoted.”

In the Netherlands, prominent journalist and Middle East affairs expert Eildert Mulder has published a column in the newspaper Trouw extolling Ayatollah Tehrani’s action and calling him an “advocate for real freedom of religion or belief”. Ayatollah Tehrani’s gift was a “striking” action aimed at promoting tolerance between the different religions, he said.

In India, Soli Sorabjee, the country’s former Attorney General, and Amitabh Behar, a noted civil society activist, both discussed Ayatollah Tehrani’s actions in terms of minority rights.

Mr. Sorabjee called Ayatollah Tehrani’s words and deeds “courageous” in a land where “minorities have been suffering human rights violations” and discrimination.

“This senior cleric has indeed articulated constructive and principled voice of commitment to religious tolerance and respect for human dignity which is the dire need in the conflict-ridden societies in many nations and states,” said Mr. Sorabjee.

Mr. Behar, who is Executive Director of the National Foundation for India, which works for social justice philanthropy in India, said he hoped Ayatollah Tehrani’s gesture would “create a more conducive environment for minority rights in Iran.”

“[W]e globally see a spurt in intolerance and discrimination against the minorities of all kinds,” said Mr. Behar. “In these times all acts to strengthen a plural and tolerant society and polity are most welcome. We need to celebrate diversity and acts of courage which build a peaceful and just society.”

In Spain, representatives of the humanist movement Comunidad del Mensaje de Silo de Alcala de Henares wrote an open letter to the Iranian Embassy in Spain, praising Ayatollah Tehrani and calling for greater religious tolerance.

“It is clear that from a people in whom Poetry is a value and a perspective on life, one could not hope for more than an act as brave as that which has been done, recognizing universal human values such as equality and respect, regardless of what religion one professes,” wrote Fernando Montalban, Mabel Naya and Marisol Gonzalez.

In the United States, the FaithStreet website published an article by Michael Karlberg, a professor at Western Washington University who has a special interest in constructive resilience, on its OnFaith blog that linked Ayatollah Tehrani’s actions to a list of others who have acted courageously in support of human rights and tolerance.

Ayatollah Tehrani’s “message is urgently needed in Iran and his actions provide a model that should be emulated by growing numbers of thoughtful and courageous Iranians,” said Dr. Karlberg. “[H]is message and his actions are universally relevant. They offer a model of enlightened discourse and enlightened action that deserves support and emulation in every nation where prejudice and intolerance prevail.”

Ayatollah Tehrani’s gift was announced on April 7, 2014, when he posted an image of an illuminated calligraphic work quoting several verses from Baha’u’llah’s Kitab-i-Aqdas, the “Most Holy Book”.

At the heart of the work are the following words: “Consort with the followers of all religions with amity and concord.”

The calligraphic work was accompanied by a three-page statement, which, among other things, said: “I present this precious symbol – an expression of sympathy and care from me and on behalf of all my open-minded fellow citizens who respect others for their humanity and not for their religion or way of worship – to all the Baha’is of the world, particularly to the Baha’is of Iran who have suffered in manifold ways as a result of blind religious prejudice.”

Last week, religious leaders in India and Church of England clerics in the United Kingdom also issued statements of praise for Ayatollah Tehrani’s actions.

There is also a growing discussion in the Arab world about the impact and importance of Ayatollah Tehrani’s actions.

Source: Baha’i World News Service

Press Release
For immediate use
21 March 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office 

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom offers condolences and prayers to the Syrian Orthodox Church on behalf of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom upon the departure of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I of Antioch, 122^nd patriarch of Antioch and All the East on the Apostolic Throne of St Peter.

Expressing his condolences, Bishop Angaelos said:

“Upon hearing of the departure of His Holiness, the late Mor Ignatius Zakka, I spoke to Archbishop Athanasius to assure him and our sister Orthodox Church of our prayers. The historic and fraternal relationship between our two Churches means that we have also lost a beloved father.

I fondly remember the visit of His Holiness to The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre here in the United Kingdom, and the numerous occasions in which I, along with members of the Coptic Clergy and community received His Holiness both in Cairo and London.

We pray repose for the soul of His Holiness and that God reward him for his many years of faithful ministry to his children who have undergone and continue to undergo huge struggles and pressures in Iraq, Syria and throughout the Middle East.”

Mor Ignatius Zakka departed on 21 March 2014 after a long and courageous battle against illness.

**Ends**

View this Press Release via the Coptic Orthodox Church Media and Communications Office Website www.CopticMediaUK.com 

Press Release
For immediate use
5 March 2014

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

Women from 170 countries and regions across the world, including the United Kingdom, will pray for Egypt on Women’s World Day of Prayer (WWDP) on 7 March 2014.

A number of women from the Coptic Orthodox Community in the United Kingdom will be speaking at a variety of church and community services across the country on the role of women in Egypt and their contribution to their societies. They will also comment on the challenges faced by women in light of the recent uprisings.

Congregants from various denominations will gather across the world to show solidarity in prayer for women in Egypt and the Christian presence in the region, increasing awareness of the ongoing plight of these significant members of society.

Commenting on the WWDP 2014, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom said:

“It is humbling that tens of thousands of people will gather across the world to pray for Egypt and it’s women who have played a significant, powerful, and responsible role throughout the vast history of Egypt and most significantly now over the past three years. As Christians we consider prayer to be one of our greatest supports, and this support at this particular time is very much appreciated as Egypt continues through this formative stage.”

This initiative comes after millions of women took to the streets as part of the ongoing demonstrations and rallies that have taken place over the past three years in Egypt.

*Ends*

Resources:
www.WorldDayofPrayer.net
www.wwdp.org.uk

Press Release
For immediate use
17 December 2013 

Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Media and Communications Office 

Coptic Orthodox Church (Europe)
Media and Communications Office

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visited The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom on 17 December 2013 after expressing concern about the current challenges facing Christians in some Middle-Eastern nations, and to meet members of those communities resident in the United Kingdom. His Royal Highness was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan.

During this historic visit, HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH Prince Ghazi were received at The Centre by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, with numerous official, government, ecumenical, and interreligious guests, along with members of the Coptic Orthodox clergy and community.

The visit began with a traditional prayer service, followed by a showcase of the vast number of ministries and strands of services operating under the umbrella of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom including, among others, benevolent work, relief and development, advocacy, youth ministry and inter-religious and ecumenical relations.

Following this, Bishop Angaelos presented two Coptic icons to Their Royal Highnesses, with an icon of Saint George gifted to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and His Royal Highness Prince George.

During the course of the visit there was a private meeting held to discuss the current situation in Egypt and the Middle East and contributions that could be made to offer viable solutions for those affected in the region. This was followed by afternoon tea in Shephalbury Manor during which the Prince of Wales unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the visit, and signed the official guestbook.

Commenting on the visit, Bishop Angaelos said:

I am thankful for the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to our Coptic Orthodox community here today, as it celebrates its presence in, and contribution to the United Kingdom, and sheds light on the increasing struggles facing Christians in the Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity. I am also appreciative of Prince Ghazi’s visit.

As we approach the Feast of the Nativity, we are also reminded that this is a time in which many in the Middle East are affected by war and conflict, but as His Royal Highness highlighted today, Christians in the region remain resilient and faithful despite the challenges faced.

With respect to Egypt, despite numerous attacks on their loyalty, Christians continue to be an integral and stabilising component of their society and have responded graciously to continued and escalating attacks, proving their commitment to a legitimate process of change.

Believing that there is always hope, we pray for this spirit of collaboration and cooperation to be a springboard to greater advocacy for, and representation of, those who do not have opportunities for their own voices to be heard, but rather rely on us to amplify those voices.

Addressing the Coptic community, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales said:

Today I just wanted to join you to express my deepest concern and deepest sympathies and solidarity with all of you because I know you will have relations in Egypt and all I can tell you is that we pray with all our heart for their safety and for their continuation in a country where Coptic Christians have played such a vital part for hundreds and hundreds of years.

They often build bridges between different groups and religions, and if I may say so I have been so full of admiration and respect for the way in which the Coptic Christians have been so full of forbearance and longsuffering that is quite remarkable, and the lack of retaliation even more remarkable. And for that, I think we owe all of you a remarkable debt, not only gratitude, but respect for living out your Christian Faith in the way that you do.

Overall, the visit highlighted Coptic Orthodox presence in the United Kingdom, and the challenges facing Christians in the Middle East, showcasing their immense contribution to their communities as active citizens of their respective countries.

The service was attended by The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, The Countess of Verulam, The Lord Bishop of London, The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Richard Chartres, The Bishop of St Albans, members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, heads and representatives of numerous Christian Churches and denominations, as well as inter-religious guests, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Following the visit is a reception at Clarence House where Their Royal Highnesses will be joined by guests representing Christians from Egypt, including Bishop Angaelos, as well as from Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Palestine and Israel.