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UK News

Head of Coptic Church leads prayers for persecuted Christians after receiving OBE

Evensong was dedicated to religious persecution, after Bishop Angaelos was recognised for services to religious freedom.

He told Premier: "The honours are humbling and very much appreciated, but as Christians we really need to keep praying and advocating those who are still persecuted.

"I'm very happy this cause is being recognised."

Bishop Angaelos has taken the opportunity of his OBE to remind people that defending the rights of persecuted believers remains a duanting task.

"A lot more needs to be done, and that is why we are praying for religious persecution.

"It is shamfeul that in the 21st century we still need to protect, or even advocate for, people's religious rights, which we as Christians believe are God-given.

"People are still suffering and are not able to worship or even believe as God has given them the right to do."

According to Open Doors, an organisation that supports oppressed Christians, persecution is increasing most rapidly in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa.

Data from 2014 also suggests persecution is rising again in Asia and that Islamic extremism is the most significant factor.

Despite the reasons for fear, Bishop Angaelos insists that persecuted Christians should not stop sharing the gospel, which can change even the hardest of hearts.

"As Christians we have firm hope and belief in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ - in his resurrection - and the fact that we are persecuted but not forsaken.

"We need to continue in the knowledge that persecution still exists but also in hopefulness; that through our witness and the witness of others around us, we can still make a difference by shining His light into the darkness."

By Alex Dibble.

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