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

CHAPTER 5
COPTIC ORTHODOX AND
ANGLICAN CHURCH
DIALOGUE
Despite limited contact, warm relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the
Church of England (Anglican) existed for centuries. With the migration of Copts to
England, America and Australia in the mid-sixties, contact between the two churches
increased as the Coptic communities abroad began to worship in rented and
subsequently purchased Anglican perishes. The great love and assistance rendered to
the Coptic communities is immeasurable and constitutes an ecumenical pillar in the
relations between the two churches.
MUTUAL VISITS
In February 1979, Pope Shenouda made a pastoral visit to England, where upon H.H.
paid a visit to the Right Reverend Dr. Coggen, the Archbishop of Canterbury at his
residence in Lambeth Palace.
In October 1987, H.H. Pope Shenouda received the Most Reverend Dr. Robert Runice
at St. Bishoy Monastery. The two church leaders signed the first ever Common
Declaration between the leaders of the Coptic Orthodox and Anglican Churches,
expressing mutual commitment towards full unity.
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