The Disagreement with the Catholics – The Family

This lecture discusses one of the doctrinal and educational disagreements between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, specifically regarding marriage and divorce within the Christian family, explaining the biblical and spiritual foundations of each position.

📖 Main Idea

• The Coptic Orthodox Church affirms that divorce is permitted only for the cause of adultery, based on the explicit declaration of the Lord Christ in the Gospel.

• The Catholic Church completely rejects divorce, even in cases of adultery, which has practically led to an expansion of reasons for annulment of marriage instead of acknowledging divorce.

• His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that this expansion may sometimes reach illogical claims, such as alleging lack of consent after many years of marital life.

✝️ Biblical and Spiritual Dimension

• The apostolic teaching of Saint Paul regarding mixed marriage (a believer with a non-believer) is explained, affirming that a marriage that occurred before faith remains holy.

• The principle of peace and non-enslavement in marriage is emphasized, as stated: “The brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases.”

• The Church permits separation in cases of change of religion, for the sake of peace, without encouraging family breakdown.

🏛 Ecclesiastical Framework

• Church laws differ due to differences in the number of recognized ecumenical councils.

• The Coptic Church emphasizes adherence to apostolic tradition and the first three ecumenical councils as the foundation of legislation.

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