CSW welcomes appointment of Bishop Tawadrous

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) welcomes the announcement that Bishop Tawadrous has been selected as the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, following an altar ballot at The Grand Cathedral of St Mark in Cairo on 4 November.

Bishop Tawadrous succeeds Pope Shenouda III, who passed away on 17 March 2012.

In a press release from the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre, His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom (UK) said, “The atmosphere was wonderfully joyous in the Cathedral, as people not only here but all over the world raised their hearts asking God’s selection for our new Pope and Patriarch. There was such a euphoric reaction when the name of Bishop Tawadrous was announced, and we now shift our prayers from God’s selection to God’s guidance and grace upon him to lead our beloved Coptic Orthodox Church as it continues its mission to be light and salt in Egypt and throughout the world.”

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “CSW would like to offer our congratulations to the Egyptian Church and people at the selection of their new Pope. We are praying for divine wisdom, discernment and guidance for him as he leads the church through this challenging period in the nation’s history.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, emailor visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.