A UK Coptic Orthodox leader gave an address in Westminster this week, in which he underlined the importance of bridging religious divides between Muslims and Christians in Egypt.
Bishop Angaelos, a General Bishop in the Coptic Orthodox Church, spoke at the Houses of Parliament before the Chairman of the MENA Group, MP Mark Field and other representatives from the Conservative Party to promote the importance of working towards a peaceful resolution in the North African nation.
Egypt has struggled with an unstable political system for years, made weaker following the resignation of President Mubarak in February 2011.
Minority religious groups, including Coptic Christians, are among those who frequently suffer violent attacks and abuse. The World Watch List ranks Egypt as the 22nd worst country for Christian persecution across the globe.
During a hearing in Washington last December, Bishop Angaelos told congress that the persecution of religious minorities in Egypt "has not manifested itself solely in physical attacks, but frequently been embedded in process and policy, then translated into dealings with citizens on unequal grounds," and called for better treatment for all Egyptian citizens and fairer laws.
He believes that there is more to be done before we can expect a peaceful resolution for the troubled country.
