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

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
We, therefore, want to use the Holy Bible in all the topics of our dialogue, to depend
only on the Holy Bible; and also on the tradition of the Church, a tradition that is in
full agreement with the Holy Bible. We cannot subject the Holy Bible to our own
minds.
In this way, I want to discuss with you, dear brethren, some points that are very
essential to us, especially in the East; and which have caused deep disappointment and
had many reactions here. These are: homosexuality, polygamy and ordination of
women. These are three specific points which are not accepted by any Church in the
East, and which are also not accepted by our brothers of the Orthodox Churches, and I
think also not accepted by the Catholic Church.
It was amazing that the topic of homosexuality might be a topic of discussion,
because it is very clear that it is a kind of immorality, fornication, a clear sin against
the Holy Bible. But, as it was mentioned at the Lambeth Conference, this point needs
an in-depth study, so that we can conduct it together according to the decision of this
conference.”
The Third Meeting
The third meeting of the forum took place in Wimbledon from the 15 th -21 st May 1993.
Representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches together with delegates from the
Anglican Communion, under the joint chairmanship of the Right Reverend John
Dennis and Archbishop Yegische Gizirian, met in five days of friendly discussions.
The Forum began with Sunday worship in the various Oriental Orthodox parishes of
London, and then at a service of Vespers conducted by the Oriental Orthodox
Churches in the crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral. This was the first time that the
liturgical languages of those churches had been used at a public service in the
Cathedral. During the week delegates visited the British Library, the Chapels Royal
of the Tower of London, and attended Choral Eucharist for Ascension Day at
Westminster Abbey. Each day members of the forum joined in corporate prayer and
Bible study.
The members of the Forum were received at Lambeth Palace and entertained to lunch
on Thursday, 20 May with the Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs Carey, and to
dinner by the Nikaean Club on his behalf.
During the discussions many opinions were expressed with frankness, respect and
love for each other. The topics examined included the following items:
• Exchange of Students and Theological Literature
There are already a number of students from the Oriental Orthodox Churches
studying in the Anglican Communion worldwide, and a number of Anglicans
studying in Oriental Orthodox institutions. The exchange of journals and other
Church publications was seen as mutually beneficial, and a joint working group
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