Joseph Malāk, Attorney of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria, said that there are three different opinions about nominating bishops at the coming Coptic Orthodox papal elections.

The first opinion, adopted by a large number of priests in Alexandria, rejects nominating archbishops of dioceses. This opinion is the strongest.

The second opinion, adopted by some priests and laymen in Alexandria, rejects nominating general bishops and archbishops of dioceses and limiting nomination to monks only.

The third opinion,  adopted by a number of members of the Milī (Lay) Council, supports nomination of archbishops of diocese.

However, followers of the three opinions agreed to refer to the decision of the Coptic Orthodox Holy Synod.

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