Bible Society welcomes His Grace Bishop Angaelos as its new President

‘There is nothing that can unite us more than Scripture,’ says Bible Society’s new president, Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church

Bible Society is, delighted to welcome His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, as its new President.

Having commenced his ministry here in the UK in 1995 as a parish priest, he was consecrated as General Bishop in 1999. Alongside his pastoral ministry, he has become well known for his work in the areas of ecumenism and inter-religious relations. He is also internationally recognised for his role as an advocate for religious freedom and universal human rights.

Bishop Angaelos already works extensively with many different communities here to build bridges, promote dialogue, and foster unity between Churches, faiths and communities. He has also established and maintains contact with governmental, inter-religious and ecumenical bodies

Commenting on his new role Bishop Angaelos said:

‘I consider it an incredible honour to serve as President of the Bible Society, an institution that has historically served to share the message of hope through the word of God. As I embark on this new journey with colleagues from, and supporters of, the Bible Society, I also recognise the immense contribution of my dear brother and friend, His Grace Bishop Richard Chartres.

This is a time in which Britain, and our world, needs the hope that can only come from the inspired message of God in the Scriptures, and it is up to us to be a faithful conduit of this life-giving message. I am sincerely committed to the ecumenical life of the Church because I believe in it, and there is nothing that can unite us more than Scripture as we endeavour to be the Body of Christ, and light in the world.’

Bishop Angaelos takes over from Dr Richard Chartres, former Bishop of London, who is retiring after 6 years as Bible Society’s President. Bishop Richard has been an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the Society’s mission, both in the UK and globally, not least in China where he has travelled with Bible Society. Bishop Richard said:

‘I am delighted that Bishop Angaelos is taking up this post. During my time as President, I have seen the organisation flourish and I am excited to see it enter a new phase, as it seeks to partner more closely with the missional work of the church in this country.

‘With his passion for the work of the church here,’ Bishop Richard added, ‘particularly amongst young people and the marginalised, and his connection with an ancient Christian community that has suffered throughout its history for its loyalty to Jesus Christ, Bishop Angaelos is perfectly placed to share and promote the vision of Bible Society as it moves into the new work God has for the organisation both at home and abroad.’

Speaking about his appointment Bible Society’s Chief Executive, Paul Williams, said:

‘The Society is profoundly grateful to Richard Chartres for his outstanding service as President over the past six years.

‘Bishop Angaelos, and the Coptic Orthodox Church which he represents in the UK, models a deep, prayerful spirituality that is characterised by its attentiveness to Scripture. The love for the Bible that is demonstrated day by day, in all of life, and in the midst of considerable hardship and suffering by Coptic Christians, is a challenge and inspiration for us all.

‘It is an honour for us to welcome Bishop Angaelos as Bible Society’s next President and we look forward to working with him on the important task that lies ahead.’

Rachel Rounds