Coptic Church & Ecumenical Movement - Saint Mina Coptic ...

RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESULTS
Different theological issues were canvassed and various recommendations were made
on various topics in the course of the four consultations of the Pro Oriente. These
include:
1. The call for prayer in order to overcome the scandal of division.
2. Common study of all councils and the fathers of the church.
3. Creation of new textbooks on church history and catechism for the teaching and
education of the faithful in a broader ecumenical understanding.
4. Exchange of students and professors, mutual visits of church leaders and
collaboration in church aid programmes.
5. Studies on the essence and functions of authority in the church with the emphasis
on autonomy and conciliar decisions after the separations.
6. Common studies of the New Testament with an address to the nature and mission
of the Church and its various ministries.
7. Popularisation by shorter publications and articles in different languages as well
as in the mass media.
8. Evaluation of the results of the consultations by official communications of the
particular churches.
However, the dialogue has been interrupted because of the proselytism that the
Catholic Church is practising in Egypt until today, in spite of the excellent relations
between Alexandria and Rome. Furthermore, the Coptic Church considers the
following issues of primary concern prior to raising any anathemas:
1. The procession of the Holy Spirit.
2. Purgatory.
3. The Immaculate Conception.
4. Indulgences.
5. Mixed marriages with non-Christians.
The five unofficial Pro Oriente consultations have been beneficial, offering a suitable
forum for canvassing the issues and eradicating past differences and
misunderstandings. Owing to Pope Shenouda’s invincible dedication to ecumenism
and his erudite theological status, Pro Oriente granted His Holiness the title of
Protector of Pro Oriente in November 1984.
FUTURE ISSUES
Whilst considerable work has been done, particularly in the areas of the mystery of
Christ and the mystery of the church, there still lies ahead extensive research, study
and consultations in the following key areas:
1. Ministry of St. Peter and the Primacy and Infallibility of the Pope.
2. Mariology (Immaculate Conception).
3. Ecclesiology and nature of authority.
4. Pneumatology (Filogue).
5. Liturgy and doctrine of Transubstantiation.
6. Principle of pluralism and theological diversity.
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