Doctrinal differences with Protestants
🕊 The Church as a Mediator Between God and Humanity
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that one of the main theological disagreements with the Protestants is their rejection of any mediation between God and people — such as priesthood, saints, or the Church itself. The Coptic Orthodox Church believes that God established sacred means of mediation as part of His divine plan for human salvation.
⛪ The Church’s Mediation in Faith and Teaching
The Church is the channel through which people received faith. As the Bible says of John the Baptist and St. Paul — belief came “through them.” The apostles, prophets, and teachers are God’s instruments for spreading true faith. The Lord gave teaching to the apostles, then to their disciples, and the Church continues this mission throughout generations.
🙏 The Church’s Mediation in Reconciliation
The Church serves as the mediator of reconciliation between God and people through repentance and priestly service, as St. Paul said: “He gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” The Church acts as Christ’s ambassador, calling people to be reconciled with God.
💧 The Church’s Mediation Through the Holy Sacraments
The Church administers the Holy Sacraments — Baptism, the Eucharist, and Chrismation. Without the Church, these divine mysteries could not exist. It is also the Church that ordains priests and bishops through the laying on of hands.
🔥 The Church and the Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is given through the Church, just as the apostles laid their hands on believers and they received the Spirit. This continues through the Holy Chrism (Myron).
💖 The Church as One Body in Christ
The Church unites believers in one faith, one spirit, and one mind, so that they may become one body in Christ, joined together in love and faith.
Finally, His Holiness emphasizes that the Church is not a human institution but a divine body established by God Himself to serve the salvation of humanity and to be the faithful mediator between God and mankind.