The lecture calls the Coptic Orthodox Church to unity of spirit and thought in teaching, so that all servants, clergy, and teachers may share one faith, one understanding, and one teaching rooted in apostolic tradition and church heritage.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that division in teaching leads to heresies, and that church doctrine must come from the Holy Synod, preserving unity of faith and understanding.

1. Roots of doctrinal division

His Holiness notes that heresies arose from differences in schools of theology, such as between the Alexandrian and Antiochian schools. Therefore, the Church must maintain one school and one thought based on apostolic tradition.

2. Apostolic tradition as the foundation of unity

Christianity was transmitted by succession of teaching from generation to generation.
St. Paul said: “What you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Thus, the Church passes on what it has received — not invents new doctrines.

3. The role of the Holy Synod

The Holy Synod is the source of authentic teaching.
No priest or teacher should teach independently or interpret Scripture apart from the Church.
All must submit to the collective Church teaching to avoid confusion or false doctrines.

4. The need for unified textbooks

The Pope stressed the necessity of unified textbooks in all church education — in servant preparation classes, Sunday Schools, and seminaries — so that all teach the same Orthodox faith and avoid personal interpretations, especially on theological or doctrinal matters.

5. Freedom of thought within faith

The Church allows freedom of thought, but within the limits of doctrine — to deepen understanding of the faith, not to contradict it.
Freedom outside the boundaries of the faith leads to error and division.

6. Unity in priestly and liturgical practice

The Church also needs unity in liturgical practice, since individual variations cause disorder.
Therefore, the Pope organized seminars (siminars) for priests in monasteries and dioceses to unify understanding of theology, worship, and pastoral work.

7. Practical implementation of unity

Programs were established for priests across Egypt and abroad to gather, study, and discuss so that all share one vision.
The Pope also emphasized unifying church choirs, forbidding foreign or secular tunes, to preserve the sacred spirit of Coptic worship.

8. The spiritual goal

The one Church is united in faith, thought, and spirit.
This unity gives strength to the Church, clarity to its teaching, and fruitfulness to its ministry.
As St. Paul said, “We have the mind of Christ.”
The Pope concludes with a call for a disciplined, united, Orthodox Church faithful to the apostolic tradition.

For better translation support, please contact the center.