Coptic Orthodox Church

Has the Church been trying to bring the Coptic Church into the Catholic Church? How many people are in the Coptic rite of the Catholic Church?

Indeed, Pope John Paul II has made much effort to bring about a reconcilation between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. One of the greatest triumphs in this effort has been in the area of Christology. Originally, the Coptic Orthodox Church split over the issue of Christ’s nature. Does Christ have one nature or two? The Catholic Church has taught that Christ has two natures, one human and one divine. The Coptic Orthodox have traditionally held that Christ has only one nature, composed of the human and divine, but emphasizing the divine. This was called Monophysitism. Through much dialogue, it has been determined that the Coptic Orthodox no longer hold to the Monophysite heresy. In fact, it appears to some that the original dispute had more to do with language differences and political motivations. Pope John Paul is on excellent terms with Pope Shenouda, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Today, there also exists a smaller Coptic Catholic Church. It has a total membership of approximately 210,000.