Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
www.suscopts.org
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Is XXXXX a legitimate organization to donate to? Can you further explain/educate me?

It is better to donate to an organization that follows a diocese. Also, the idea of these private organizations is not biblical. According to the Book of Acts, a blueprint of how financial provisions ought to be determined were under the apostles' direction. A diocese is shepherded by a metropolitan or bishop to oversee all the affairs of the congregations, to ensure fairness, trust, and love. By breaking away from this pattern, each person is a self-appointed administrator and jeopardizes the quality assurance of the apostolic process. In cases where one lives in an area temporarily void of a diocese, the procedure would be under the auspices of the patriarch, who would allocate the charitable organization under the guidance of a general bishop or appoint a specific priest to lead the process and accountability. This explanation is not to undermine the intent of the organizers of any charity, but to clarify the biblical, apostolic process. 

"Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet
" (Acts 4:32-47).
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