Joint Communiqué about the Two Abducted Bishops 25-Apr-2013

Source: Syriac Orthodox Church - UK News 25-April-2013

Please Pray for Their Safe Return Joint Communiqué of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East and the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East 25-April-2013 On Thursday morning 25/04/2013, His Beatitude Mor Yohanna X Yazijy the Patiararch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East has paid a brotherly visit to His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox of Antioch and All the East at his residence in Atchane, Lebanon. They have discussed the latest issues related to the two abducted brothers H.E. Mor Paulos Yazijy Greek Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo and Alexandretta and H.E. Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo. They have criticized again the fact that they have not been set free until now despite all the efforts being made. They have reiterated their call for the release of the two captive bishops. They call upon the international community to do all efforts to ensure their release and the stopping of all sort of violence in Syria and for the peace to prevail through dialogue and political means. Also, they agreed about the symbols for the common coexistence, tolerance and national unity. Also, they have agreed about the steps to be taken if the two bishops are not released within the next few hours. They are both hoping that the two abducted bishops will be in their Archdioceses to celebrate Palm Sunday, which will fill us and our people with joy. بيان صادر عن بطريركية السريان الأرثوذكس و بطريركية الروم الأرثوذكس 25 نيسان 2013 في صباح يوم الخميس 25/4/2013، قام صاحب الغبطة البطريرك يوحنا العاشر بطريرك الروم الأرثوذكس بزيارة أخوية إلى قداسة البطريرك مار إغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص بطريرك السريان الأرثوذكس في مقرّه البطريركي في العطشانة ـ لبنان، و تداولا في المعطيات الأخيرة المتعلّقة بالمطرانين المخطوفين بولس يازجي و يوحنا إبراهيم، و إستنكرا مجدداً عدم الافراج عنهما حتى اليوم رغم الجهود التي تُبذل. و هما يجددان بهذه المناسبة دعوتهما للافراج عنهما و يدعوان المجتمع الدولي لبذل كافة الجهود في سبيل ذلك، و إيقاف العنف بكل أشكاله في سورية و إحلال السلام عبر الحوار و الحل السياسي. كما و يؤكدان على رموز العيش المشترك و التسامح و الوحدة الوطنية. و توافقا على اتخاذ الخطوات المناسبة، في حال لم يتم الإفراج عن المطرانين المخطوفين خلال الساعات المقبلة، آملين أن يكون المطرانان المخطوفان في أبرشيتيهما يوم الشعانين المقبل فنفرح و شعبنا بهما.

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK hosted the Annual Men's Basketball Tournament

On March 15- 17 2013, The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre hosted the annual men’s basketball tournament, the Coptic Orthodox British Elite Basketball Association (COBEBA). 

Under the care of His Grace Bishop Angaelos, the tournament saw youth from across the United Kingdom gather to support their respective teams, and to enjoy a weekend of healthy fellowship. The teams and supporters from parishes in Brighton, Newcastle, Golders Green, Kensington, and Stevenage, also joined the congregation in the Cathedral of St George in praying a Liturgical service on Sunday 17 March. The service marked the first anniversary since of the departure of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, who departed on 17 March 2012.

Bishop Angaelos said:

‘His Holiness is known for his words ‘the Church without youth is a Church without a future,’ and it would bring great joy to his heart to see hundreds of youth gathered here together in the house of God, in healthy fellowship during this weekend of sports ministry, as was the case at the time of his departure. We all, in remembering His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, do not mourn, but rather give thanks for his life and faithful ministry.’

One of the organisers, Mark Galta said:

‘What truly touched me about the tournament this year was the spirit of fellowship and unity, clearly shown by the attitude of all the players and supporters. After the competition I received feedback from other teams, and they expressed their desire to set up a league and have games throughout the year, encouraging people to get together more often in that same spirit of fellowship and love. It was clear to see that all the teams and their supporters had a great time.’ 

The defending champions, the Newcastle ‘Phoenix’ (above) reclaimed their title in a dynamic game, beating the Brighton ‘Cobras’ with a score of 104-94.

Press Release: HH Pope Tawadros II and 60 members of The Holy Synod enthroned 4 Bishops, consecrated 7

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
10 March 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

The 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and over 60 members of the Holy Synod consecrated 7 bishops and enthroned 4 existing bishops on 10 March 2013 in the Grand Cathedral of St Mark, Cairo, Egypt.

Having taken part in the consecration service in Cairo, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom commented from Cairo:

‘In the ever expanding ministry of The Coptic Orthodox Church, and with a greater focus on concentrated pastoral care, we have found a need to consecrate more bishops to fill vacant Diocese, to facilitate greater and more focused care for larger and older Diocese that have been divided upon the passing of their bishops, and to establish new diocese abroad. 

As the Church is the Body of Christ that lives and breathes, caring for her children, we see yet another sign of this dynamic existence continuing to bring light into the world at every level. 

We pray for our new bishops, their diocese, and the whole Body of Christ, as we continue to live and share His message and mission in the world.’

The four bishops enthroned are:
Bishop Daniel for Maadi and Albasateen
Bishop Theodosious for Giza
Bishop Botros for Shebin El Qanater
Bishop Mina for Mississauga and West Canada

The seven priests consecrated are: 
Fr Epiphanious El-Maqari as abbot of the monastery of St Macarious in Wadi el Natroun
Fr Maqar El-Baramousi for Al-Sharkaya
Fr Salib El-Samueli for Latmoum and its affiliated regions
Fr Zakaria El-Souriani for October City and Ouseem
Fr Youannes El-Souriani for Giza North
Fr Zosima El-Antouni for Atfih and El-Saf and their affiliated regions
Fr Youlyous Ava-Mina as general bishop for old Cairo

**Ends**

Any links or references to external articles do not represent the view of The Coptic Orthodox Church or The Coptic Orthodox Church Media and Communications Office.

Democracy in Egypt – Theory and Reality

Lecture by HG Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK 

Centre for Muslim Christian Studies, Oxford England

On Tuesday 26 February 2013, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom gave a lecture on ‘Democracy in Egypt – Theory and Reality’ at the Centre for Muslim-Christian Studies, Oxford.  Tariq Ramadan, HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Oriental Institute, Oxford, also gave a lecture, ‘Building Democracy: The Challenge Ahead for Muslim-Christian Relations’. 

His Grace Bishop Angaelos highlighted the various challenges faced by Egyptians in light of the 2011 uprising, and the role of Coptic Orthodox Christians as the indigenous people of Egypt. Noting that Christians were present alongside their Muslim brethren during the Tahrir uprising, His Grace indicated that Egyptian Christians still seek a unified nation state.

Elaborating on the significant contribution of Coptic Christians as active citizens in the ever changing climate of Egypt, Bishop Angaelos spoke about the need for continued efforts towards the development of a national identity for all Egyptians, in order to safeguard the rights of every citizen, Muslim and Christian alike. 

The audio from the lecture is available here: http://bit.ly/ZVj9DV 

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom on the eve of the January 2011 uprising and in response to the recent escalation of violence against Christians in Egypt.

The uprising in Tahrir Square on 25 January 2011 inspired the world as it saw Egyptians standing side-by-side in an effort to reclaim their national identity. There was hope for a new Egypt, one that could offer its people the freedom and responsibility of equal citizenship while no longer focusing on their religious or political stance. In my statement this time last year, I remember commenting that it was ‘indeed a turning point in Egypt's contemporary history. It is a time at which there can still be positive reform and the building of a new nation that is cohesive, and instills a sense of citizenship, ownership and responsibility into every Egyptian; ceasing to focus on the person's religious or political stance, but more on his or her contribution and accountability to a single nation state and equality before the law.’ It is unfortunate however, that two years down the line we have not seen sufficient signs of this transformation, and we still witness the marginalisation and alienation of many, Christians and Muslims alike, within Egyptian society, while repeatedly witnessing others committing crimes and not being brought to justice.

Indicative of this, is that over the last two weeks, violent incidents and targeted attacks on Christians in Egypt have escalated once again. Last week, in Fayoum, a hall and Sunday school building under construction, was destroyed by thousands emerging from a nearby Mosque after Friday prayers, reportedly justifying their actions by claims that the building would be used as a church. Security forces arrived after the building was completely destroyed, and to date no arrests have been made.

In a separate incident, on 18 January 2013, thousands of Muslim protestors in Qena attacked eight Coptic homes and businesses, torching Coptic-owned pharmacies and vehicles. A Cross was destroyed and property within the church of Abu Fam was damaged. These attacks came as a result of unqualified and now falsified rumours that a Christian man committed a sexual assault against a 6 year old Muslim girl. To safeguard its parishioners, the church was forced to cancel its Epiphany service so as not to subject them to unnecessary risk. As of yet, again, no charges have been made.

In a third incident, in Beba, Upper Egypt, a church building was forcibly taken over by a criminal gang, and converted into a drugs den after they had sold its contents. In this case once again, there was no intervention by local security forces.

Based on these three occurrences in the space of two weeks, we call for proper investigation into any acts of violence against individuals, groups, or communities, and the protection of places of worship, to ensure that there are no further attacks of this kind.

In light of these events, it is equally disturbing to see the unbalanced response in the recent reported court ruling, convicting a mother and her seven children to 15 years incarceration. The family that had converted back to Christianity from Islam, was reportedly found in possession of allegedly falsified documents. Unlike the aforementioned incidents in which no convictions have been made, the verdict handed down in the case Nadia Mohamed Ali and her children is, to say the least, severe. While we do not condone the falsification of official documents, it is worth clarifying, by way of explanation and not justification, that if the right process were in place to allow Egyptian citizens to freely choose their faith as regularly claimed, there would be no need for this practice.

It is stated on numerous occasions that there is ‘no compulsion in Islam’ and that Egyptians are free to choose their religion. On that basis, we ask for Nadia Mohamed Ali, her family, and all those involved in the case to be released from prison. Following on from this, and in considering the intensity of severe challenges facing Christians, and in line with the movement towards greater democracy, cohesion, and citizenship, we call for the serious consideration of the removal of one’s religion from official personal identification cards, so as to facilitate the treatment of all Egyptian citizens equally.

As we approach the second anniversary of the uprising in Tahrir Square, it is unfortunate that these incidents are by no means isolated. They are merely the latest in a continuous stream of discriminatory decisions facing Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike, who wish to be treated equally, regardless of their religious or political beliefs. That said, we call upon Egypt’s government, judiciary, and officials to respect ‘freedom of belief and practicing religions’, as set out in President Mohammed Morsi’s news conference in Cairo last week.

Considering the significant sacrifice that has been presented over the past two years, even leading to the loss of life, it is time for Egypt to emerge out of the pattern of discriminatory practice, and take on its new identity of a promised democracy that the January 2011 uprising sought to establish.

We pray for the communities in Fayoum, Qena, and Beba while also praying for Nadia, her children, those involved in this case, and all those in a similar predicament who are in prison, facing imprisonment, or being victimised for merely desiring to exercise their God-given right to practice their chosen faith. We also pray for peace and safety on the streets of Egypt over these coming days, that there be no more injury, bloodshed, or mourning, and that the spirit of hope and resilience lives on in the hearts of those who desire positive reform and freedom.  

Press Release: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos on the eve of the second anniversary of the uprising in Tahrir Square

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

24 January 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

On the eve of the second anniversary of the January 2011 uprising in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued a statement (via CopticMediaUK.com) commenting on the recent escalation of violence against Christians, and calling for direct intervention by the Government of Egypt, leading to social cohesion, saying:

‘Considering the significant sacrifice that has been presented over the past two years, even leading to the loss of life, it is time for Egypt to emerge out of the pattern of discriminatory practice, and take on its new identity of a promised democracy that the January 2011 uprising sought to establish.’

Making reference to attacks on three churches in Egypt within the past two weeks, Bishop Angaelos said:

‘We call for proper investigation into any acts of violence against individuals, groups, or communities, and the protection of places of worship, to ensure that there are no further attacks of this kind.’

Read the full statement via CopticMediaUK.com or click here

*ENDS*

Resources:

AINA News RE attack on church in Qena: http://www.aina.org/news/20130118184819.htm

AINA News RE attack on church building in Fayoum:  http://www.aina.org/news/20130115185246.htm

Daily Mail RE family imprisoned for converting to Christianity: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263727/Mother-Nadia-Mohamed-Ali-seven-children-jailed-15-years-Egypt-converting-Christianity-Islam.html

Press Release: HG Bishop Angaelos' Statement RE Nadia Eweida Case

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

16 January 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Communications Office

Having spoken to Nadia Eweida on 16 January 2013 to congratulate her on winning her case at the European Court of Human Rights, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom issued the following statement saying:

‘Having provided personal and pastoral support for Nadia throughout her courageous effort to seek justice over the past 6 years I, along with The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, have considered her case one of extreme importance, offering support in laying a precedent for people who may be placed in a similar predicament. Witnessing the many parts of the world in which the significant human rights of faith and belief are limited or even revoked, whether passively or aggressively, we hold fast to calling for these God-given rights to be upheld and protected in the United Kingdom.’

The full statement can be viewed online via www.CopticMediaUK.comor by clicking here. 

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos in response to the European Court of Human Rights ruling in the case of Nadia Eweida v. The United Kingdom

Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos in response to the European Court of Human Rights ruling in the case of Nadia Eweida v. The United Kingdom

The recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on 15 January 2013 in favour of Nadia Eweida, a British Airways employee and Egyptian Christian who was disallowed from wearing a cross to work, signifies the importance of the religious rights and freedoms of individuals within the United Kingdom and European Union.

Having found her employer in contravention of article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights, the Court honoured the rights and freedoms of Nadia Eweida to manifest her religious beliefs, indicating that a person’s faith should be a matter of private choice.

While thankful to the European Court for its positive involvement on this occasion, we also ask that Her Majesty’s Government and the judicial system within the United Kingdom continue upholding the same principles based on this ruling. It is of course unfortunate that this case needed to be referred to the European Court; had the judicial system within the United Kingdom dealt it in the same manner, it would have given a clear message that there is a clear regard for faith and religious practice. It would also have spared much wasted time, effort and expense over years that could have been put to much greater use in numerous directions.

Following from this ruling, it is also encouraged that the private and public sectors within the United Kingdom likewise honour these principles, as human rights and civil liberties should not purely be considered for certain matters and public opinion and policy, and not others.

Having provided personal and pastoral support for Nadia throughout her courageous effort to seek justice over the past 6 years I, along with The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, have considered her case one of extreme importance, offering support in laying a precedent for people who may be placed in a similar predicament. Witnessing the many parts of the world in which the significant human rights of faith and belief are limited or even revoked, whether passively or aggressively, we hold fast to calling for these God-given rights to be upheld and protected in the United Kingdom.

Press Release: Funerals held for 2 killed in bombing at Coptic Orthodox Church Libya

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
2 Jan 2013

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Public Relations Office

Funerals for two men killed in an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building in Libya have been held on 2 January 2013.

40 year old Wagdi Malak Hanna from the province of Al Minya and 26 year old Ashraf Samy Adly from the province of Alexandria were killed after an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building in Libya on Saturday 29 December 2012. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack to date.

The following was said in a statement released by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark:

‘We condemn in the strongest possible terms these terrorist acts that target houses of worship and we appeal to the peoples of the world and their governments to fight such terrorism…religions are founded on love and peace and forbid aggression against innocent people.’

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

‘The Coptic Orthodox Church has been in Libya for over twenty years, and it is sad that this has happened now, especially at this time of celebration. We hope that it is not a sign of things to come, and pray for peace in Libya, Egypt and throughout the Middle East, the birthplace of Christ.’

According to Associated Press, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr said:

‘Egypt is requesting an investigation into the circumstances of the operation and for those responsible to be put on trial’

*ENDS*

Press Release: The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom responds to the Government Equalities Office Consultation relating to same-sex civil marriage

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use
Date: 14th June 2012
 

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK
Media and Communications Office
 

The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom responds to the Government Equalities Office Consultation relating to same-sex civil marriage.

In response to the Government Equalities Office Consultation, The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has stated that it cannot support the proposal relating to same-sex civil marriage, listing the following items for careful consideration:

1. While this current Consultation attempts to reassure by claiming that “the Government does not propose to open up religious marriage to same-sex couples”, the term ‘marriage’ in itself is one that has been utilised within a religious context for millennia, and applied to a sanctified and Sacramental union between a man and a woman. The mere redefinition of this term as proposed would indeed change the meaning as commonly defined and understood and would in turn place unnecessary pressure and expectation upon religious institutions to move in the same direction.

2. There is no apparent benefit to society from the redefinition of marriage to incorporate ‘civil marriage’, as Civil Partnerships currently allow for equal rights and responsibilities. To alter this definition is to undoubtedly directly impact religious institutions, undermine the sanctity of marriage and infringe upon freedom of religious practice.

3. From a legal perspective, the presence of potentially ambiguous laws and loose terminology surrounding this issue is likely to lead to an imposition on religious institutions, especially in considering the various recent rulings of the European courts on matters of state security, deportation and other such issues that have infringed upon practice within the United Kingdom.

4. It must be noted that the use of inaccurate and emotive language referring to a “ban on same-sex marriage”, erroneously implies that such partnerships once existed and were then “banned”, and this is clearly not the case.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has said the following with regards to this matter:

 

“Marriage, as it stands, benefits society in many ways by being a monogamous loving relationship that allows for a wonderful union that potentially brings forth a new life, and celebrates the distinguishing and complementary differences between a man and a woman. ‘Marriage’ is by no means a term that discriminates but rather, distinguishes one type of union from another.”

 

To read the full response please click here. For more information please contact:

 

Media and Communications Officer

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Blog: www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

 

The Coptic Orthodox Church launches a new ministry in the City of London to commence on the 4th March 2012

Press Release from the Coptic Orthodox Church UK

For immediate use

Date:  17th February 2012

The Coptic Orthodox Church UK

Media and Public Relations Office

The Coptic Orthodox Church launches a new ministry in the City of London to commence on the 4^thMarch 2012.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church announced the launch of The St. Paul Ministry, a new initiative of the Church in the United Kingdom. Held in the beautiful and historic St. Mary-le-Bow church in the City of London, monthly services will be offered in the English language while maintaining the traditional Coptic spirituality and hymnology. Services will be followed by a fellowship meal and a contemporary Bible study and discussion. The first service will be held on Sunday 4^th March at 10am.

Bishop Angaelos who, with a dynamic and dedicated steering group, established the ministry, said the following:

“While this is a new and exciting ministry for the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, it follows the ethos that has been at its core for centuries, introducing people to our Lord Jesus Christ through the lived perspective of the Church in a real and relevant way. The words of Acts 2:42 have always been especially pertinent to me, and it is exciting to see them presented in a fresh 21^stCentury expression.”

Mission Statement

The St Paul Ministry is founded on a novel and fresh approach to fellowship, with the aim of encountering Christ through the life and practice of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Christian Church of Egypt. This Ministry aims to make the ancient apostolic Faith practical, reachable and tangible within a Western context. Our goal is to enable the enrichment of lives through the fellowship of the Church, the manifest Body of Christ.

In line with Acts 2:42, the St Paul Ministry aims to achieve this by: 
1. Providing opportunities for greater knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and teachings of the Fathers. 
2. Creating a safe and familiar space for interaction with like-minded people along their spiritual journey. 
3. Making manifest the Faith and practice of the Church through its Sacraments.
4. Having a time of focused collective prayer and worship.

First Service:

The first service will be held on Sunday 4th March at 10am in St. Mary-le-Bow church.

Resources:

St. Paul Ministry Website:www.StPaulMinistry.com

On Twitter: @StPaulMinistry , www.twitter.com/StPaulMinistry

E-mail: Contact@StPaulMinistry.com

[ENDS]

For more information contact:

Media and Public Relations Officer Coptic Orthodox Church UK Media and Public Relations Office The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre Shephalbury Manor Broadhall Way, Stevenage Hertfordshire SG2 8NP England, United Kingdom Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076 Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879 Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com Website: www.CopticCentre.com Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

Prayer Day for Egypt at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Following the success of last year's day of prayer for Egypt with Egyptian Christians from all denominations, a similar day will be held this year on Saturday the 3rd of March at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK. This will be an all day event starting with Liturgy, brunch, and then meet in the hall to pray together. Everyone is invited to attend. Visit www.CopticCentre.com or e-mail VisitUs@CopticCentre.com

PRESS RELEASE: Anglican and Oriental Orthodox co-operation in England

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK

Media and Public Relations Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE ANGLICAN-ORIENTAL ORTHODOX REGIONAL FORUM (AOORF)

Ecumenical Forum Formally Established

Members of AOORF wish to publicise a new development in the ecumenical relationship between the Church of England and the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

The Forum has existed informally for a number of years, but has now formalised and clarified its role by the drawing up of a document setting out its Aims and Objectives.  

The purpose of the Forum is to bring together representatives from the Church of England and those Oriental Orthodox Churches who are increasingly present in the United Kingdom.

In summary the aims of the Forum are:

·         To receive and consider documents from international dialogues and their local relevance and implications amongst both clergy and laity.

·         To encourage the unity of the Church through common prayer, worship, witness and education.

·         To discuss current pastoral, social and political issues and where appropriate make representations and responses to these issues.

The Forum is Co Chaired by The Right Reverend Dr Geoffrey Rowell (Bishop in Europe) and His Grace Bishop Angaelos (Coptic Orthodox Church).

Bishop Geoffrey comments: “As Anglican Co-Chair of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox International joint doctrinal Commission, I am delighted that the regional forum which has provided an informal channel of communication between Anglicans and Oriental Orthodox in England is now put on a firmer footing. With the increased numbers of Christians from the Oriental Orthodox Churches living in this country it is important that Anglicans build closer relationships with these churches. The appointment of Bishop Angaelos as an official ecumenical representative at the General Synod is a sign of this and is greatly to be welcomed.”

Bishop Angaelos comments: "At a time of increased challenge to the basic principles of morality and hope, concrete and visible unity in the life and witness of the Church is needed as a real support for our faithful and the wider community, and an affirmation of the viability and applicability of the Christian message. I feel that working together through AOORF provides a very real opportunity for our role to be even more prophetic in the United Kingdom as individual Churches, and the wider Church."

***

For further information please contact:

The Anglican Co-Secretary - The Revd Stephen Stavrou - stephenfrancisstavrou@yahoo.co.uk

The Orthodox Co-Secretary – Father Peter Farrington – fatherpeter@britishorthodox.org


Media and Public Relations Officer
The Coptic Orthodox Church UK
Tel: +44 (0)207 1937076

Media and Public Relations Office
The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre
Shephalbury Manor
Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG2 8NP
England, United Kingdom

Tel.: +44 (0)207 1937076
Fax: +44 (0)1438 313879
Office Email: Media@CopticCentre.com
Website: www.CopticCentre.com
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CopticMediaUK
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK hosts an Orthodox-Evangelical Consultation on collaborative mission

After having been invited to and attending The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in October 2010, His Grace Bishop Angaelos has been involved in conversations with members of the Lausanne movement. As a result of this meeting, The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the UK hosted an Orthodox Evangelical Consultation on Thursday 12^th January 2012. Representatives of Orthodox and Evangelical traditions from The United States of America, Bulgaria, India, Albania, Russia and the UK as well as representatives of the Lausanne movement were in attendance.

The Lausanne movement is an Evangelical initiative with a focus on mission, and the aim of the consultation was to establish Orthodox participation in the movement. His Grace expressed the following:

“This step is unprecedented; this is a time to focus on Christian unity and to collaborate and witness collectively where we can, realising that what we have in common in many respects is far more than that which divides us. There will be no compromise on Theology or Dogma, but respecting that, there are still many ways in which we may be able to work together. ”

The meeting was held in a friendly, collaborative environment and participants were hopeful of further positive steps in the near future.