Q&A Home > A > Apostolic Leadership

• I am Eastern Orthodox. I know the Orthodox world is aware of the possible schism in the Eastern Church. To say I am struggling with this is probably an understatement. What is the Coptic Church view of this? I have always had the idea of all bishops being equal with a first among equals and not a first above equals. I do realize there are differences in duties but an absolute dictatorial situation sounds out of place to me. Saint Peter even referred to himself as co-elder and not absolute ruler. Also, at the first council, he was in accord with the council in which he took part but not presided over it. What are we to make of it?  What is the Coptic understanding of apostolic leadership in the Church?