The declaration signed by Pope Francis and Coptic Pope Tawadros II, that Catholics and Copts for the first time will recognize each other’s sacrament of baptism stirred wide controversy among Coptic Christians in Egypt. The websites affiliated to the Catholic Church reported that the common declaration states that there is no need for a second baptism for Christians who convert from one Church to another. However the Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement in which the official spokesperson confirmed that there were only attempts at mutual recognition of baptism. Church sources said that some bishops of the Holy Synod and Coptic Orthodox youth declared their refusal of the agreement, with the wording "seek agreement" on mutual recognition of baptism. He added that there is a union in the fundamental beliefs, but the unification of baptism has to be preceded by theological dialogues within the Holy Synod, and then agreement.

Source: Egypt Independent May 02, 2017 15:45 UTC