Archbishop Angaelos of the Coptic Church in London has told Premier he believes Christians are called to advocate for all persecuted religions, as well as their fellow Christians.
It comes as the Coptic Orthodox Church in St Andrew by the Wardrobe, London, marked the UN Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
Archbishop Angaelos told Premier: “We know that 80 per cent of all religiously-motivated persecution falls on Christians. But it doesn’t mean others aren’t. In my work we focus on advocating for everyone, because we recognise the sanctity of life and the image and likeness of God in every person.”
Imagery is key to the Coptic tradition, with gold iconography forming part of their expression of worship. This was mirrored in how the church marked the UN Day. An art exhibition at the church featured portraits of women who have survived religious violence.
Christian Yazidi and Nigerian women are featured, alongside Palestinians, Rohingyas and Uighurs. Each woman is painted with gold leaf. The paintings are displayed alongside accounts of the persecution they suffered.
Artist Hannah Rose Thomas said: “The paintings are how I seek to bear witness to these women and their resilience. I hope to convey the person behind the trauma, in their dignity.”
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Her work is designed to “fit into the theological account of lament, placing human suffering in God’s care.”
The paintings will now have a permanent home with the Coptic Church.
Archbishop Angaelos said: “We are delighted to have these portraits in our collection. Persecution falls on women much more harshly than it does on men. We’ve seen women sold into trafficking... It’s unimaginable in the 21st Century that this is happening.”
“The Church has a lot to do. As his light, and salt of the earth, we have a responsibility to be peacemakers and to bring hope.
“We’ve seen the Church spring into action so many times. I’m blessed to see the [anti-persecution] work of many Christians. We have to be thankful for the work that is being done, whilst also asking more of ourselves. Because you can never have too much peace in the world.”