Dialogue with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches

In the meeting on 05/03/1993

In its report, the Church Relations Committee presented to the Holy Synod that, in the first meeting in the period between 02-05/05/1993 in the Monastery of St. Bishoy in the Natrun valley, the two parties presented six research papers expressing their views on the following topics:

1. The main features of both families.
2. The view of each of them in the Bible and tradition.
3. The nature and mission of the Church in each of the two groups.

In the meeting on 18/06/1994

In its report, the Church Relations Committee presented to the Holy Synod that it had decided that the second meeting would take place between 11-15 September 1994, which would address the following topics:

1. The most important characteristics of the theological discussions on Christology that took place in the fourth and fifth centuries (research from the Orthodox side and another from the Reformed side)
2. Search for recent agreements on Christology (such as the agreement between the two Orthodox families; the agreement with the Protestant Church in Germany; and the agreement with the Catholics etc.) and the value of these agreements in relation to the Oriental Orthodox-Reformed Dialogue, presented by the Orthodox side, and a response by the Reformed side.
3. The Bible and traditions (each side is to provide their family's view on this topic).
4. The use and misuse of sacred books in the fields of mission, evangelism, and proselytism. Each side provides research on this topic.

In the meeting on 10/06/1995

In its report, the Church Relations Committee submitted to the Holy Synod:

Discussion took place regarding the nature of Christ, after His Holiness Pope Shenouda III gave a lecture regarding the our Orthodox family’s belief on this topic and participated in some of the sessions. The attendees agreed on a common formula attached at Appendix No. 16to be studied by the authorities in charge of the churches of the two parties.

It was also agreed to continue the dialogue on other ideological differences between the two sides.

The Reformed Churches decided on their part to send a recommendation to their publishing houses, so their publications do not continue to state that our Churches’ family follows the Monophysite belief, i.e. the only (and not the one) nature, which means denying the truth of the humanity of Christ. This is something that our Churches have not and do not believe in.

In the meeting on 14/06/1997

The third meeting of the dialogue with the Reformed Churches was held at the Theological Institute of the Syrian (Indian) Orthodox Church between 10-15 January 1997 in Kottayam, India. We were represented in the dialogue by His Grace Bishop Bishoy and Bishop Moses. The main topic was "The Bible - Revelation - Authority" and another topic "Theological Work in the Church"."

An extensive dialogue took place on the two issues which took many sessions, and the dispute emerged between the two parties, and each party demonstrated what is believed in the final report. The Reformed Churches see that the Bible is a human book and contains (through the understanding of man) the words of God.

This gives an opportunity for every person to understand the Bible according to their personal interpretations; and to look at the various books historically (including the New Testament), thereby making it a book not applicable to all eras. It also makes it open to criticism, and places the human mind next to the biblical text, as a source of dogma and teaching, and they refuse to acknowledge that the revelation shields the writer from error in the text of the Bible, which opens the door to reject many of the texts and teachings of the Bible.

As happened with the ordination of women in the pastoral ranks, and the acceptance of homosexuality, this approach also gives an opportunity for the emergence of many different denominations in their faiths.