Copying a post from Fortunatus on tasbeha.org:
+Irini nem ehmot
http://www.canon15.ca --- text of letter is there.
Dear All,
These are historic times in our church. Many of the Coptic Youth and laity in Canada have put forward a letter to His Eminence and the Synod, in the hopes that our voices will be taken into consideration during the selection process. Please note, this is NOT a petition, this is not a protest, this is not a strike. This is not a presumptuous attempt to try and teach others or to force God's will in a certain letter. This is a LETTER, that if you agree with, you are sending with us to the Synod.
The Throne of Saint Mark, one of the most ancient and venerated, is the responsibility of all Copts - laity and clergy of all ranks. We are all the sons of the Patriarchs, and it is our duty, I believe, to do all that we can in good conscience, to defend what they taught us and that we received from them. If we believe, truly, that we want a shepherd according to God's will, and not just His permission, then I think we do no harm in asking our fathers to hear our voices. Because this is done with humble spirit, if we are wrong, the Lord will not be grieved by us. If we are right, however, and keep silent, then let each of us be held accountable by his own conscience if the canons are violated.
To those who are not in Canada, we humbly encourage you to take on similar letters, or even the exact same one if you wish, so that the Synod knows that there are many of us who desire that a monastic candidate be selected.
We all pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved father, Abba Shenouda, and pray with all our hearts that our Lord raise a shepherd to us after His own heart.
Arabic version to follow shortly.
Pray for me,
Fortunatus
