Pope Tawadros II addressed around 1000 Australian Coptic youth in an event on Friday where he spoke of the importance of ‘fight[ing] for what is right’ on the issue of same sex marriage, ahead of the forthcoming national Australian plebiscite on the issue. “Family equals ‘father and mother,” the patriarch said to Coptic youth on Friday night at the International Convention Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour. The comments follow earlier ones Pope Tawadros II made within the first few hours of his arrival in Australia last Wednesday. “According to the Holy Bible, when you read either in the Old Testament or the New Testament, there is no – at all – same-sex marriage,” the Pope had said during an airport press conference last Wednesday. “Therefore, this marriage is completely refused from the Christian faith.” Egypt’s Importance During Friday’s event, the Pope answered audience questions and was presented with a gift from Bishop Daniel, Coptic Orthodox Bishop of Sydney and the affiliated regions. The event saw Pope Tawadros II speak of the importance of Egypt to ‘stability in the Middle East’ and of his ongoing work to foster ecumenical dialogue. “The stability…
Pope Tawadros II to Australian Coptic Youth on Same-Sex Marriage Vote: “Fight for What is Right”
September 3, 2017
