The Page of Priests – The Priest’s Credibility
The Priest’s Credibility[1]
The credibility of the priest is part of his spirituality.
And among the results of his credibility is that people trust him.
They consider that his word is the whole truth, and thus they rely on him with confidence.
Credibility has many branches, for it enters into all the dealings of the priest.
- There is his credibility in every report he conveys. It must contain the truth, the whole truth. Therefore, it is not fitting for the priest to transmit news based on rumors that may not be true, or to transmit from a person whose speech may not be reliable…
Likewise, the priest should be precise in every word. He should not be exaggerating in what he says, nor use a word that carries two meanings, lest the listener understand one meaning while the priest intends the other.
- And just as he has credibility in his reports, he also has credibility in his promises.
He should not promise something he cannot fulfill… nor promise to give what is beyond his ability to give. Nor promise a date and then fail to keep it. Nor be imaginative in his promises. All this causes his promises to lose their credibility.
- There is also the credibility of the priest in his teaching.
He should not answer a question quickly without being sure of his answer. Nor attribute a saying to a saint unless he is confident of its attribution to him, along with confidence in the correctness of the statement. Nor exaggerate in relying on his memory. And if he is not certain, he should state that as well, saying for example: “As far as I think, the matter is such, but I am not certain.”
He should not claim knowledge of matters he has not studied. His lack of knowledge will certainly be exposed.
[1] An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III: “The Credibility of the Priest” in Al-Keraza Magazine, 25/3/1994, Page of the Priests.For better translation support, please contact the center.
