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

In fact, the start of the official theological dialogue between the Orthodox Church and
the Oriental Orthodox Churches always indicates the wealthy faith and tradition that
we possess, and the common basis our faith through the common theological texts.
However, this alone does not automatically solve the problems of our ecclesiastical
relations existing since many centuries.
And although these problems do not have a deep theological cause, they renew the
feelings of suspicion and pain among us, and will diminish the value of the
theological fruits of our official dialogue that we started together.
Our assessment of the historical theological problems through our theological
dialogue differs from our assessment of these problems through our practical
ecclesiastical relations. This does not express our commitment as in the theological
dialogue we all express our agreement of our overcoming approximately fifteen
centuries on one hand, and in our ecclesiastical relations we still abide to the
preservations of the past on the other.
In this case, we give a perception that either the theological dialogue is theoretical
and will remain without practical outcomes in the liturgical life of the Church, or that
the actual liturgical practical life of the Church does not interact with its theological
reality.
Only love and common sincere desire in unity are able to complement what is lacking
in our relations through the common faith and ties of love.
The reaction in the Christian world regarding the fruits of our theological dialogue
proves the importance of the effort exerted.
Today the approaching and common work between the Orthodox Church and the
Oriental Orthodox Churches, is increasing continuously, not only due to our feeling
of the same spirit, but also due to the need of the Christian world for the dogmatic and
moral principles.
Denial of the divinity of Jesus Christ, authenticity of the Holy Bible, the problem of
ordination of women to priesthood, and the problems facing the spiritual life, impose
on us a common witness, not only in the area of the Ecumenical Movement, but also
to the civilised world of today.
The things that separate us can be overcome by the spirit of love, mutual
understanding, and through our common witness to the whole world.
The proposals of the Sub-Committee for Pastoral Affairs can be identified in two
areas:
1- The relation of the two Orthodox Families.
2- Our common relations with the rest of the Christian world.
47