Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches move towards unity?

[Esrb99]

The Roman Catholic Church and Oriental Orthodox Churches in the UK have welcomed an “unprecedented” move towards unity this week.

They have launched a new book entitled “Joint Statements” outlining areas of theological agreement between the two denominations.

…“Even though in the past there were differences, they no longer justify the continued separation, and it is a call to the Churches to come together and move towards a closer communion."

Source: christiantoday.co.uk/article/roman.catholic.and.orthodox.churches.move.towards.unity/29230.htm

Interesting development (possibly).

 

[Filii_Dei]

It is indeed an encouraging development.

I’m looking forward to more dialogue and intellectual discourse between both Churches, as well as with the Eastern Orthodox.

This is true ecumenism, conducted in the continuity of Church and tradition, and not compromising either for the simple sake of ‘unity’.

 

[JRKH]

A wonderful bit of news.

May those charged with furthering this be guided in Love

Peace
James

 

[ByzCathCantor]

We pray for their efforts and for restoration of unity of the Apostolic Churches!

 

[A_G]

This is wonderful news. I too pray that the West and East are one again - The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

 

[theidler]

:yyeess:Hurrah!

 

[GlobalWolf]

It would be very nice, and I do believe that it’s possible that more Orthodox will choose to become Catholic, but there are dividing walls that are going to make it unlikely that all of the Orthodox will choose to make that decision. Remember, they believe that Peter was only given primacy of honor rather than of authority. Even if other theological points come closer together, that’s obviously something that Catholics and Orthodox are not united on.

 

[Filii_Dei]

It would be very nice, and I do believe that it’s possible that more Orthodox will choose to become Catholic, but there are dividing walls that are going to make it unlikely that all of the Orthodox will choose to make that decision. Remember, they believe that Peter was only given primacy of honor rather than of authority. Even if other theological points come closer together, that’s obviously something that Catholics and Orthodox are not united on.

I think you may be missing the point. The objective of this is not the conversion of Orthodox but the union of the two churches.

And fear not, you’re only the latest in a large crowd of people who have said the same (and more besides). In fact, those are exactly the issues under discussion in the Eastern Catholicism forum.

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

It would be very nice, and I do believe that it’s possible that more Orthodox will choose to become Catholic, but there are dividing walls that are going to make it unlikely that all of the Orthodox will choose to make that decision. Remember, they believe that Peter was only given primacy of honor rather than of authority. Even if other theological points come closer together, that’s obviously something that Catholics and Orthodox are not united on.

I agree on the “primacy of honor” problem, but further believe that the Orthodox Church will never unite with the Catholic Church. It is my observation from knowing numbers of Orthodox adherents that there is a real stubbornness among their hierarchy regarding the Catholic Church that “Joint Statements” will never overcome.

 

[Filii_Dei]

I agree on the “primacy of honor” problem, but further believe that the Orthodox Church will never unite with the Catholic Church. It is my observation from knowing numbers of Orthodox adherents that there is a real stubbornness among their hierarchy regarding the Catholic Church that “Joint Statements” will never overcome.

The same could be said of certain members in the Catholic Church. Such a process will require many long years of dialogue and clarity of purpose, infused with a healthy dose of charity and love from both sides. It may not be achieved in our lifetimes, but I pray for its realisation nonetheless.

 

[theidler]

The same could be said of certain members in the Catholic Church. Such a process will require many long years of dialogue and clarity of purpose, infused with a healthy dose of charity and love from both sides. It may not be achieved in our lifetimes, but I pray for its realisation nonetheless.

It’s sad that it takes that long just to do things like this - we are all members of the apostolic church. I’ve said it before - Catholics and Orthodox bicker about semantics here below while those who have died now embrace in heaven as brothers.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

I agree on the “primacy of honor” problem, but further believe that the Orthodox Church will never unite with the Catholic Church. It is my observation from knowing numbers of Orthodox adherents that there is a real stubbornness among their hierarchy regarding the Catholic Church that “Joint Statements” will never overcome.

Beyond that the Orthodox have theological problems with basic things like original sin that I don’t think they’re going to surrender on anytime soon.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

Beyond that the Orthodox have theological problems with basic things like original sin that I don’t think they’re going to surrender on anytime soon.

They don’t have to, nor likely would be expected to - we already have a model of tolerance for varying (yet reconcilable) theological viewpoints (in the Eastern Catholic Churches).

The single largest impediment to reunion is the role of the Bishop of Rome - that much has been made publicly clear.

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

The same could be said of certain members in the Catholic Church. Such a process will require many long years of dialogue and clarity of purpose, infused with a healthy dose of charity and love from both sides. It may not be achieved in our lifetimes, but I pray for its realisation nonetheless.

Not in our lifetimes, but how about in centuries? Even so, I sincerely believe that it will never happen.

 

[Filii_Dei]

It’s sad that it takes that long just to do things like this - we are all members of the apostolic church. I’ve said it before - Catholics and Orthodox bicker about semantics here below while those who have died now embrace in heaven as brothers.

I share your anxiety about the process, but as you probably know, such things cannot be rushed. It requires long discussion and perhaps difficult but necessary changes in both sides (not least in our attitudes towards the other party). We want a full and meaningful corporate union, not an unconditional and blind submission that we have tried to force upon each other in the past. Both Churches treasure our rich traditions greatly, and we want to sustain them into the new union. Some may consider it a burden, but therein lies the strength that draws us together and provides an opportunity for such dialogue to happen at all.

Similarly, the Holy Father recently spoke on the necessity of keeping the faith in ecumenical dialogue, lest it merely becomes a social contract. It is not simply about being able to receive communion in both Catholic and Orthodox churches, but to live and believe as One, Holy, Catholic and Apostlic Church again.

They don’t have to, nor likely would be expected to - we already have a model of tolerance for varying (yet reconcilable) theological viewpoints (in the Eastern Catholic Churches).

The single largest impediment to reunion is the role of the Bishop of Rome - that much has been made publicly clear.

It is at times like these when I really feel for Pope Benedict XVI. He is one of the biggest advocates of reunion, yet also one of its greatest hurdles (though not personally). I wonder how that feels.

Not in our lifetimes, but how about in centuries? Even so, I sincerely believe that it will never happen.

I love your radiant optimism.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

It is at times like these when I really feel for Pope Benedict XVI. He is one of the biggest advocates of reunion, yet also one of its greatest hurdles (though not personally). I wonder how that feels.

I could not agree more - he truly is an advocate of this cause. In general, I think he is misunderstood by many, who tend to judge him based on assumptions relating to his background as opposed to the strength of his character and beliefs. We pray for him and all those who seek unity of Christ’s Church.

 

[John_of_Patmos]

I honestly believe it will happen in the next 80 years.

 

[Scott_Lafrance]

I agree on the “primacy of honor” problem, but further believe that the Orthodox Church will never unite with the Catholic Church. It is my observation from knowing numbers of Orthodox adherents that there is a real stubbornness among their hierarchy regarding the Catholic Church that “Joint Statements” will never overcome.

It isn’t only from Orthodox ecclesiastical heirarchy. There is a real loathing for the Catholic Church among the lay Orthodox population. I’ve heard some say that if the Orthodox and Catholic Churches bridge their schism, they would leave altogether and embrace some form of independent evangelical congregation! Amazing, they would leave the authoritative sacraments for private interpretation because of religious bigotry.

 

[Laudate_Dominum]

It’s sad that it takes that long just to do things like this - we are all members of the apostolic church. I’ve said it before - Catholics and Orthodox bicker about semantics here below while those who have died now embrace in heaven as brothers.

Please do not be so insulting as to degrade serious theological matters, such as the very nature of the Church, to be mere semantics. And yes they are members of the Church by virtue of their baptism, but they are also in schism and imperfect communion with the Church.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

It isn’t only from Orthodox ecclesiastical heirarchy. There is a real loathing for the Catholic Church among the lay Orthodox population. I’ve heard some say that if the Orthodox and Catholic Churches bridge their schism, they would leave altogether and embrace some form of independent evangelical congregation! Amazing, they would leave the authoritative sacraments for private interpretation because of religious bigotry.

And those might undoubtedly argue that there would be no break in Apostolic succession in these new “independent evangelical congregations”.

I have many Orthodox friends. I truly enjoy their company and their empassionate witness to the Lord. Yet, I too sense this at times when we dare speak of the prospect of unity. It seems that there is an “equal yet separate” mentality that permeates the conversation, and the status quo is preferred.

There is a fundamental truth that we cannot ignore in this dialogue. That is, that Christ himself prophetically prayed for the unity of the Church just before his crucifixion.

I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. [John 17:20-21]

Can we, in good conscience, as orthodox christians (lower case used here, to generalize to Catholics and Orthodox of the Apostolic Churches), ignore the direct prayers and pleas of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?