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

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches was represented by delegates from the
Netherlands Reformed Church, the Reformed Church in Germany, the Reformed
Church in America, the Church of Scotland, the Evangelical Church of Czech
Brethren, the Evangelical Union of Lebanon, the Church of South India, and the
Presbyterian Church (USA).
Plans have been made for the next meeting. The topics to be discussed have been
determined. They are:
• Understanding of the Holy Scripture and its inspiration in our respective
traditions.
• The work of the Holy Spirit in the early Church: the question of the normative
status of the early Church for our respective traditions.
• The role of present historical context in the interpretation of Holy Scripture – the
hermeneutical problem.
Included is also a recommendation to the World Alliance of Reformed Churches
regarding the future printing of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
At the conclusion of the meeting there was a time of silence and prayer in honour of
His Holiness Vasken I.
Areas of Emerging Convergence on Holy Scripture and Tradition
Both sides acknowledge the deep relationship between the early traditions (the total
life) of the Church, as guided by the Holy Spirit, and the emergence of written Holy
Scripture. The incarnate Word of God is both the source and the judge of the tradition
and the Holy Scripture of the Church that bear witness to Him.
The Oriental Orthodox distinguish the Tradition of the entire Church regarding
matters of faith from local traditions of the various churches. They understand both
Tradition and Holy Scripture as constituting on reality emerging from the continuing
life of the Church. Tradition must be essentially in agreement with the intention of
the Holy Scripture, and the authority of the fathers of the Church is recognised from
their acceptance by the Church as a whole. The Reformed side respects this
understanding.
The Reformed Churches affirm the critical distance of Holy Scripture in relation to
tradition. The Church must always examine and reform their traditions in the light of
Holy Scripture. The Oriental Orthodox side respects this emphasis.
Both sides agreed on the normative function of Holy Scripture for the life of the
Church. The Word incarnate makes use of human means, including human language
and culture. So Holy Scripture and its correct interpretation, guided by tradition,
witnesses to the Word of God in our different contexts.
Areas that need further clarification:
• Our concepts of history and revelation.
• Methods of interpreting Holy Scripture and evaluating tradition.
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