Christian Unity From an Orthodox Perspective

Christian unity is an important element in the confession of faith and liturgical life of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The lecture will present an Orthodox perspective on Christian unity and illustrate the Orthodox endeavor to seek Christ's desire that all of those who believe in Him may be one. The lecture will also reflect on the Coptic experience in the ecumenical movement, both in the well- established forums such as the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches of Christ, and in the newer forums such as the Christian Churches Together in the USA and the Global Christian Forum. Still, the question remains: What is the future of ecumenism? His Grace Bishop Serapion has been the Coptic Orthodox Bishop of Los Angeles since 1995. He is on the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches of Christ and the Steering Committee of Christian Churches Together in the USA. In 1985, he was ordained General Bishop for Ecumenical and Social Services. For many years he served on the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches and the Life and Service Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches, and as Vice President of the All Africa Conference of Churches.