His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains a basic principle in ecclesiastical discipline: “No judgment without trial” — meaning that judgments are not issued except after a trial to determine the truth, giving the accused the opportunity to defend himself, and to bring conscience relief to the community.

Why the trial?
The trial aims to know the truth: who is right and who is against, who participated or incited the wrongdoing. It also gives the accused a chance to dispel the accusation and defend himself, which preserves the Church’s justice and dignity.

Exception: the case of flagrante delicto
He clarifies there is an important exception when the sin is evident (such as disturbance inside the church, cursing, beating, desecration of sacred things, or publishing a heretical book) where a prompt decision can be taken without prolonged waiting, especially to protect the community and the Church’s reputation.

Biblical examples of immediate judgment
He cites examples from Scripture that sometimes justify issuing an immediate judgment: Christ cleansed the temple and drove out the sellers because He saw a clear wrong; God judged Sodom and the plagues when evil was manifest; and God sometimes executed judgment without lengthy proceedings.

Examples from the Apostles
He refers to the apostles’ actions: Peter judged Ananias and Sapphira immediately, Paul prescribes severe measures in cases of manifest sin in Corinth, and Paul’s stance toward Simon the magician. These examples show that immediate judgment is presented when the matter is clear.

Type of trial and right to repentance
It remains for the priest or the head of the clergy to decide whether the case requires a secret or public trial, and the extent to which an opportunity for repentance and confession is given before imposing punishment. He also noted that the judgment may be appealed to a higher ecclesiastical authority if the person feels wronged.

Spiritual and educational dimension
The issue is not merely a legal procedure but has a spiritual dimension: public admonition at times is meant to warn the remaining members and prevent the spread of error, while mercy and repentance prepare to restore the person to the community in a reconciled spirit.

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