Influential Coptic bishop presented with Coventry award

(Coventry Observer) - The prestigious Coventry Cross of Nails has been awarded to UK Coptic Bishop.

Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK was presented with the award during the Easter Sunday service.

The Coventry Cross of Nails is recognised throughout the world as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Although it has been awarded to hundreds of charities and organisations over many years, it is only rarely presented to individuals.

It is identical to the cross regularly worn by the Bishop of Coventry, the Dean and Canons of Coventry Cathedral, the Bishop of Warwick and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The cathedral said Bishop Angaelos is widely known for his extensive advocacy work. As a result he was conferred with an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen, for ‘Services to International Religious Freedom’ in October 2015.

A catehdral spokesperson added: “He frequently issues statements and comments relating to current religious and minority issues, with his particular focus on dialogue, conflict-resolution, and reconciliation.

“His comments and views are often sought on matters of human rights, civil liberties and international religious freedom, particularly in relation to the situation in Egypt, the Middle East, and North Africa.”

The Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, said before the event: “I know that the Coventry story means a great deal to Bishop Angaelos and I am sure that it will be an aid to his own remarkable efforts.. to encourage words of reconciliation in a world of violence where the innocent, including vulnerable minorities, are victims of terrible cruelty.”