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I've been reading with great interest about the Coptic Catholic Church. I am especially impressed with the church's willingness to tackle real issues in the world as we know it now---not always an easy or comfortable path. I wondered just where the church is at present with Gay and Lesbian participation in the Coptic Church. I would be less than honest if I didn't tell you that I expect that the Coptic Church maybe in a place very similar to many "mainline churches." But, as one who continues to search for some sort of spiritual home --I continue to hope. Thank you for the chance to ask this question.

I would like to point to you that we are the Coptic Orthodox Church not Coptic Catholic. Although there are a lot of similarities between the two churches in the way we worship; we do differ in some major dogmas. The Coptic Catholic Church gives allegiance to the Pope of Rome. Therefore they adopt the dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church some of which are rejected by the Coptic Orthodox Church. For instance: the filioque, the Immaculate conception, the infallibility of the Pope, Purgatory and many others that you can read about in details at this website: www.geocities.com/mgocsmbvli/orth_cath.htm.

Regarding gays and lesbians, the Coptic Orthodox Church has her arms and doors open to everyone; and regards homosexuals as sinners who need to repent. Christianity invites us to hate sin but not sinners. God condemned homosexuality. In the Old Testament, homosexuality was considered a sin, an abomination, that is a capital offense punishable with death. "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them" (Lev 20:13). In addition, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination" (Lev 18:22).

The New Testament considers homosexuality as depraved passion; "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due" (Rom 1:26-27).

The Holy Bible clearly states that homosexuals will not enter the kingdom of heaven; "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor 6:9-10).

For more information about homosexuality read "Homosexuality" by H.H. Pope Shenouda III at this website http://www.coptnet.com/Pope-Books/ordofwom/index.htm.