Interfaith Respect

Zoxsasi

What is the best way we can help other Christian denominations respect us?

Some elements in the Greek Orthodox Church look upon us as evil and heretical.
Some communities in the Roman Catholic Church see us also as heretical.

I guess this is nothing to whinge about as these same elements in both Greek and Catholic actually have no respect for each other anyway.

How do we move to situation where other denominations can respect us for the commonality we share with them as Apostolic Churches.

I find it quite hurtful actually.

Especially coming from Catholics who feel that our insubordination to Rome makes us all equivalent to satan worshippers.

How can that be?! It doesnt nullify the priesthood of our bishops, our clergy etc.

Before there is inter-faith dialogue, there should be at the very least inter-faith RESPECT.

But how?

servant33

It is curious how there are so many posts on this forum attacking protestant and catholic groups, yet we question why other groups do the same to us. The only way to establish this interfaith respect is for us to first respect the other denominations

mabsoota

seriously sound point  :)

Zoxsasi

[quote author=servant33 link=topic=9790.msg119971#msg119971 date=1285783980]
It is curious how there are so many posts on this forum attacking protestant and catholic groups, yet we question why other groups do the same to us. The only way to establish this interfaith respect is for us to first respect the other denominations


And I would disagree with it Mabsoota.

If a muslim converted to Christianity - let's say, Protestantism - would you be happy or sad for them?

I would be happy actually, and I'm sure you all would too. I wouldnt go off and confuse them and tell them to "Find the true Faith".

No no..

But protestants, evangelical Christians etc, WILL tell them that they are going from one cult into another.

How on earth do you reach or get through to these people?? 

anba bola

Through prayer,

The most effective way to do anything is through prayer, and doing your part.

"Unless the LORD builds the house,
        They labor in vain who build it;
        Unless the LORD guards the city,
        The watchman stays awake in vain"

I'll tell you a story. There once was a couple that had a dispute and a council of clergy met to try to solve it. Amongst them was Fr. Mikhail Ibrahim. They spent a very long time to no avail, and then a Bishop asked Fr. Mikhail, "Do you have anything to say Fr. Mikhail, you've been very quiet".

Fr. Mikhail responded "Your Grace, let us pray". His Grace Responded "We already prayed before we started", to which Fr. Mikhail replied, "Yes but we haven't prayed about this issue". They got up and prayed and at the end of the prayer the couple dropped their claim and hugged each other in front of the council. That is the power of Prayer.

We often ask, God how do I this or I how do that, not remembering that it is God who can do all, and that it is us who can do nothing. St. James writes in his epistle "The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." It is a wonder after all of this how we can still say but how can we do this.

Furthermore it is possible to respect other denominations without agreeing with them. I can respect you, but blatantly disagree with you, and think you're in error.

coptic boy777

Don't forget that Coptics in Egypt are pompous against other denominations. It's an issue of political importance. How can two candidates to an election make friends. One must submit his or her belief. There will be a time when the church will unite as one. I cannot find the verse but i know its in revelation.