But reunion of churches isn’t just a political/diplomatic matter, in which compromise is a virtue. It’s a question of deeper conversion on both sides to the One Faith we share. If one side has moved away from that faith to a greater degree or in different ways than the other, then reunion will involve more change on that side.
The Orthodox are not obligated to be equally accommodating. This isn’t a quid pro quo.
Thanks so much for this post - it is refreshing to see an “outside” perspective so to speak in this thread!
If it were only as simple as eliminating Papal Primacy, reunion may have been possible a long time ago. And yes, the attitude in Rome had to and did change before the climate could be ripe for meaningful dialogue and reconciliation. We cannot exactly say that Rome was kind to Eastern Catholicism either, particularly in the US, at the turn of the last century, so your “read into” sections of the 1911 Catholic Encyclopedia is not unfounded. But much has changed since!
That said, much has also developed on both sides since the One, Holy, Apostolic Church became divided, and that is why
reconciliation (a penitential sacrament in both faith traditions) will require an understanding of such in order to progress and ultimately succeed.
Yes, it’s not quid pro quo by any stretch, but it is not unilateral change that will make this a reality either.
The issue of governance still exists even today
within each community, Orthodox and Catholic. The Catholic Church has a structure that conflicts in many regards with the synodal model of Orthodoxy and the early Church - that much must be and is acknowledged, but it has also progressed as a result of inner reflection and meaningful dialogue with the Orthodox. By the same token, this structure and reference to a “central authority” has sustained unity within Catholicism depite massive and frequent geopolitical change over the course of history.
The decentralized synodal model running in combination with multiple levels of geopolitcal change have created a somewhat fractured brotherhood if you will in Orthodoxy. In recent history, multiple geographic displacements of the faithful also coincided with these changes, presenting further great challenges to Orthodox hierarchs and clergy in maintaining the faith. The Orthodox Church in America is an interesting case study in that regard - not to be at all critical of OCA - just the opposite - we are respectful of how this Church has had to adapt on multiple occasions to social and political change, surviving to continue to proclaim God’s word to an increasingly diverse community of believers. We respect the challenges they have confronted, with love of God and His people. The strength and conviction of Orthodox faithful today is a living testament to their efforts and success.
The issue of governance will nonetheless need to be agreed to the satisfaction of all if unity is to be achieved and sustained. The lessons of history should be invaluable in this regard.
Please keep posting here - you’re opinions and observations are most welcomed and challenge us all!
. You have yet to address the issue of any changes the Orthodox Church might have to make in order to make reunion possible. Or, is it all down to Rome and the Catholic Church? You know, the old “it’s my (Orthodox) way or the highway” gambit? Because if that’s really the case, and if that represents the majority Orthodox viewpoint, how can we ever expect to get anywhere towards reunion? And why should we bother trying?
?? And to make it even more interesting…something that costs, say, under $40? I know, it’s a tall order, but surely there must be something out there…