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

CHAPTER 8
COPTIC ORTHODOX AND
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DIALOGUE
At the invitation of H.H. Pope Shenouda III the first theological dialogue between the
Coptic and Presbyterian churches was held at the Papal Residence in January 16,
1989.
The Coptic delegation:
H.H. Pope Shenouda H.G. Bishop Reweiss
H.G. Bishop Arsanius H.G. Bishop Besantee
H.G. Bishop Benyamin H.G. Bishop Abraam
H.G. Bishop Moussa H.G. Bishop Morcos
H.G. Bishop Paula Dr. Shaker Bassillious
H.G. Bishop Tadros Dr. Maurice Tawadros
The Presbyterian delegation:
Rev. Dr. Samuel Habib
Rev. Dr. Fayaz Fares
Rev. Dr. Bakki Sadek
Rev. Dr. Menassa Abdel Nour
Rev. Dr. Makram Naguib
Rev. Dr. Safwat Albayadi
TOPICS ADDRESSED:
• What is our understanding of salvation?
• How and when do we obtain salvation?
At the conclusion of discussions and debates a 10-point statement was issued:
1. Salvation is a life long story and not a once in a lifetime experience.
2. Salvation is constructed on the blood of Jesus Christ.
3. There is a strong relationship between grace and struggle in the life of the
Christian to attain a life of Holiness.
4. The faith that is alive must be mixed with love in the life of the faithful.
5. The main purpose of the church is the salvation of Man.
6. We affirm that Baptism is death in and resurrection in Christ.
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