Dear all



First, I beseech anyone who comes across my message to pray for me and forgive me for anything I mention that may be found offending.

I am a youth living here in Nashville TN. I came across Mr. Yousief's message addressed to His Grace Bishop Youssef, all priests and Coptic community in Nashville. I found this message to be insulting not only to His Grace but also all Coptic members.

I cannot comprehend how anyone could speak to an authority figure in such a way. I am a firm believer in freedom of speech and expressing our thoughts and opinions, but I also believe that these two things do not contradict with respect especially to those in authority. The bible tells us that our Almighty God is the One to appoint those leaders. If that is the case, then disrespecting those leaders is indirect disrespect to God Himself.

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13: 1-2)

Although the email was followed by an apology yet it seemed to me like Mr. Yousief was just confirming his points and did not want to be held responsible for the language he used. What was labeled as an "apology" email was no different from his original email for it carried the same tone. He simply showed no remorse or sincerity which only means he still does do acknowledge the severity of the situation, and he confirmed that by the introduction of his apology. Just like there are right and wrong ways of addressing issues and talking to authority, there are also right and wrong ways of offering an apology and in my opinion the second e-mail was just as insulting and disappointing as the first one.



These are some questions that came raging in my head when I read Mr. Yousief’s email. I am not seeking answers but maybe these are questions we should all ask ourselves.

1. How do we suppose to instill the importance of honoring authority into the generations to come when we as fathers, committee members and servants are not exemplifying?

2. How do we expect our input to be considered respectfully or honorably; if we ourselves could not present it such honor (such as large and bold font, daring language, etc.)

3. How do we view our boundaries when we enable ourselves to jump the hierarchy of priest and church leaders and claim ownership of someone else’s responsibility?



I’m not addressing whether or not I am for or against the points mentioned in Mr. Yousief’s email, but rather the tone, choice of words, and action/s taken. I believe this situation could have been addressed in one of two ways

1. Make the concern known to the priest of the church privately and allow him to contact H.G. Bishop Youssef.

2. Personally, take the matter to H.G. Bishop Youssef privately without involving our community.



Finally, I entreat His Grace Bishop Youssef to address this matter to the Nashville community so that we the, youth, parents, servants, and authority figures learn the correct protocol in this situation and understand that such behavior is intolerable.

I pray that God grants us all peace and forgiveness.



Sincerely ,

One of Christ's daughters in Nashville