The Selection of the Priest
The General Message of the Lecture
The lecture discusses the principle of selecting a priest in the Church, affirming that this selection is a shared responsibility between the people and the Church leadership, and that it must be carried out with spiritual maturity that preserves the peace and unity of the Church.
The Main Idea
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the principle “the people have the right to choose their shepherd” is a biblical principle, but it requires regulation and wisdom in its application so that it does not become a formal or pressured choice lacking spiritual depth.
The Spiritual and Educational Dimension
- Not all members of the people possess the same level of spiritual discernment; therefore, those capable of conscious participation in the selection must be identified.
- A priest is not chosen based solely on preaching ability, but on an integrated set of qualities: spiritual, pastoral, leadership, and human.
- A curriculum vitae or formal interviews do not reveal the inner depth of a person or their true pastoral readiness.
The Relationship Between the People and Church Leadership
- The people have the right to choose, and the Church leadership has the right to refuse if the candidate is not suitable, but it does not impose a person on the people.
- Ordination is a serious spiritual responsibility; therefore, agreement between the people’s choice and the leadership’s approval is essential.
The Importance of Prior Preparation
His Holiness emphasizes the necessity of long-term preparation through identifying spiritual leaders and servants and providing continuous pastoral training, so that selection does not occur under pressure or urgency.
Conclusion
The selection of a priest is a delicate spiritual process based on maturity, a living conscience, and responsible participation, aiming to build up the Church rather than cause division within it.
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