Orthodox and Oriental Churches have spoken out in defense of traditional morality

DECR Communication Service, 20.09.2024

The participants of the Meeting of the Local Orthodox Churches and Oriental Churches, held in Egypt on September 16-17, 2024, called for the affirmation of the inviolability of the Christian understanding of marriage and family in modern society, and also declared their categorical rejection of non-traditional relationships that threaten mankind.

The Joint Communiqué adopted at the end of the Meeting notes:

"...with one voice and in faithfulness to our shared theological, biblical and patristic tradition, all members raised the issue of the crisis surrounding family matters and anthropological challenges present in today’s secular society. They expressed the wish, that all Christians may become ambassadors (cf. II Cor 5:20) of Christ’s message to the modern society, in order to transfigure the world with the light of truth and wisdom.

Our Church Families view the indissoluble and loving union between a man and a woman in holy matrimony as a “great mystery” (Eph 5:32), reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church, in contrast to certain contemporary approaches to marriage. From this union arises the family, which is seen as the sole foundation for the birth and upbringing of children according to the divine plan. Our Churches, therefore, consider the family a “small Church” and provide it with appropriate pastoral care and support.

Our Churches categorically reject the justification of same-sex relations within what is called “absolute human freedom” which causes harm to humanity. Our Churches, while affirming their complete belief in human rights and freedom, also confirm that the freedom of the created is not absolute to the point of transgressing and breaking the commandments of the Creator."

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Orthodox and Oriental Churches have spoken out in defense of traditional morality

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons