The World Council of Churches (WCC)

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II

Editorial Article by H.H. Pope Tawadros II in Kiraza Magazine: The World Council of Churches (WCC)


In the coming month of October, the Egyptian Church will host a global conference marking the 17th centenary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD)—the first ecumenical Christian council. This is an unprecedented event in the history of our Coptic Orthodox Church.

For about twenty months, we have been preparing for this major occasion. A central committee was formed to oversee the preparations, led by His Grace Bishop Abraham, General Bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles – USA, who represents us as a member of the World Council of Churches. This committee includes seven core members directing a large team of young men and women who received ample training and preparation in all areas: welcoming, transportation, hospitality, lodging, media, communication with conference participants, and facilitating logistical operations. We also coordinated with the relevant state authorities such as the Beheira Governorate, the Ministry of Tourism, security agencies, Cairo Airport, the ambulance authority, and others.

The importance of this major event can be summarized

in ten points:

1. The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Churches in the world and is a founding member of many Christian councils on international, regional, and local levels. Being firmly rooted in the orthodox faith, it should not remain enclosed in itself but must have an active role and participation among all churches.

2. The heresy of Arius arose in Alexandria on Egyptian soil. The Fathers and Popes of the Egyptian Church rejected this strange teaching. Holding this conference in 2025 is a reminder and appreciation of the Church that defeated this heresy, anathematized its author, and played a prominent role in the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.

3. For the first time in history, this gathering of Christian Churches worldwide is being held in an Oriental Orthodox Church. This is a source of pride for the Orthodox Church of Egypt and an acknowledgment of its role by the whole world. Since 1927, five such conferences have been held in different European countries and Canada. This is the sixth one and the first to be hosted by an Oriental Orthodox Church. It is also the first such event ever to take place in Africa and Asia.

4. The Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches is responsible for organizing and inviting participants to this conference. Each speaker is personally responsible for what he or she presents and does not necessarily represent the official opinion of the WCC.

5. The Logos Center for Conferences of the Coptic Orthodox Church is hosting the event, providing the necessary logistical facilities to ensure the success of the conference and the comfort of participants. It does not interfere with the content of lectures, speeches, workshops, or other activities. The hosting of this large number of participants will be carried out by our Coptic youth, who have been well trained, and this will be for them a unique and distinguished experience in the ecumenical field.

6. Undoubtedly, welcoming numerous delegations from many countries worldwide and hosting them in one of our ancient monasteries is a valuable opportunity to introduce our Church in its homeland—through its history, faith, and heritage. This is a form of service and evangelism, especially now that our Coptic Churches have spread throughout many countries across all continents.

7. In this Conference, we will encounter many diverse cultures through the participants. We welcome them as our guests. Some of these cultures may be new or unfamiliar to us, but amid all this, we will present our culture and heritage, preserving our identity, traditions, and the authenticity of our ancient Church.

8. The Christian world today faces many social, moral, and technological challenges. We must stand firm against them in accordance with the command of Scripture and the traditions of the Fathers. This conference is an opportunity to understand how the world, both East and West, views these challenges, and how God’s voice is manifested through them.

9. At the time of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, the Church was united in the world before the division of Christianity in 451 AD. Thus, hosting this historic event serves as a call and reminder of the spirit that prevailed 17 centuries ago, and how we can rediscover it in our present age. And as Christianity reached most of the world, it is Egypt that was uniquely visited by Christ Himself, receiving an unparalleled, sacred blessing and privilege.

10. The presence of 500 participants from about 100 countries during the month of October 2025 will also serve as a wonderful tourism promotion for our country, Egypt. Conference members will visit various archaeological and tourist sites in Cairo and Alexandria, as well as Wadi El-Natrun, famous for its ancient monasteries and recognized as the most renowned monastic center since the 4th century AD.

Pray for this Conference,

For all the participants,

And may God’s grace

embrace us all.