The Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, has announced a temporary halt in its theological discussions with the Catholic Church.
This decision stems from concerns over the Vatican’s recent guidance on blessings for same-sex unions, a matter that has drawn mixed reactions across Christian denominations globally.
Reacting to this, the Coptic Orthodox Church expressed its reservations, emphasizing its adherence to traditional biblical interpretations regarding marriage and sexuality. “After consulting with the sister churches of the [Oriental] Orthodox family, it was decided to suspend the theological dialogue with the Catholic Church,” the Synod of the Coptic Church announced, citing the need to re-evaluate the direction and outcomes of the dialogue initiated two decades ago.
The Vatican’s document, “Fiducia Supplicans,” issued in December, aimed to navigate the pastoral care of individuals in same-sex unions while maintaining the church’s traditional stance on marriage. This document encouraged clergy to exercise discretion in offering blessings to same-sex couples seeking spiritual guidance, without altering the Church’s doctrine on marriage.
Pope Francis previously defended the document, saying it is “demonstrating concretely the closeness of the Lord and of the Church to all those who, finding themselves in different situations, ask for help in carrying forward – sometimes in starting – a path of faith.”
Photo credit: Catholic Church England and Wales via Flickr
