In this important seminar, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III spoke about the concept of Zionism and its historical development, explaining its religious and political roots. He began by interpreting the word “Zion” as a biblical name referring to Jerusalem, then explained how it gradually turned into a political symbol used to justify control and domination.

Main Themes of the Lecture:

1. History of Zionism:
   His Holiness explained that Zionism began in the 19th century as an attempt to resettle the dispersed Jews worldwide, before transforming into a political movement aimed at establishing a national homeland in Palestine, supported by Western powers like Britain and the United States.

2. Christian Zionism:
   He affirmed that there can be no true “Christian Zionism” because Zionism contradicts Christ’s teachings, which call for love and peace, not fanaticism or division. He clarified that what is called Christian Zionism is a political tendency disguised as religion, mainly among some Western Protestant groups.

3. Theological Position:
   The Pope emphasized that God does not favor one nation over another in the New Covenant. The people of God today are the believers from all nations, not a single ethnic group. He rejected the idea that Jews remain “God’s chosen people,” explaining that this notion ended with the coming of Christ and the spread of faith worldwide.

4. Political and Media Dimension:
   His Holiness discussed the influence of Zionist media on global public opinion and noted the weakness of Arab media in communicating with the West. He called for Arab unity and for the use of strong media presence to confront false narratives.

5. Church and National Role:
   Concluding the seminar, he addressed the role of the Coptic Church in preserving national identity and strengthening Egyptian–African relations, emphasizing that the Church acts in a spirit of peace and love, avoiding political conflicts.

Spiritual Message:

The seminar carries a clear call to distinguish between faith and politics, and to hold firmly to Christ’s teachings based on truth and peace, without being deceived by religious slogans used for material or expansionist aims.

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