In the last 50 years, there have been milestones made on ecumenical fronts between Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox and Catholics. Theological dialogues have been established that are currently examining the issues that have divided us for a millennium or more. And the conclusion seems to be more and more that what divides us is much smaller than that which unites us. Even many of the issues that were previously viewed as obstacles have either been dealt with in the meantime (the matter of indulgences), or perhaps were never obstacles in the first place (Purgatory, Filioque, dyophysitism "vs." miaphysitism). Where once there was rigid dogmatism that disavowed input from other theological traditions, there is a growing sense of unity in diversity as being something possible, desirable, and indeed, as having already existed in the first centuries of Christianity.
But, some issues remain looming over these ecumenical dialogues. First and foremost, the question of the role of the Pope of Rome. The answer as to his role within the universal Church--not just in the Roman Church--would determine the entire fate of ecumenism among the Apostolic Churches.
There also remain hardline fanatics on all sides--many Roman Catholics demand that all must submit to the rule of the Pope and Latin theology. Many Orthodox demand that the West Easternize itself in numerous aspects, or disavow a thousand years' worth of theological expression and practice. Many Oriental Orthodox demand that the Chalcedonians repudiate dyophysitism and all those who opposed them, and essentially forget the Fourth Ecumenical Council onward.
Some questions I would like to pose:
1: Do you think unity between each of our great Churches is possible? If so, do you think it might happen in your lifetime?
2: What difficulties and obstacles do you think we would have to overcome?
3: Under what terms do you think unity between two or more of these Churches would take place?
4: What would each side have to give up for the sake of unity, and what would each side want to see happen in the event of a union, or before one can take place?
5: What would a reunited Church look like, administratively, theologically, liturgically and culturally?
6: Most importantly, what would a single, reunited Apostolic Church mean for Christianity and the world at large?
But, some issues remain looming over these ecumenical dialogues. First and foremost, the question of the role of the Pope of Rome. The answer as to his role within the universal Church--not just in the Roman Church--would determine the entire fate of ecumenism among the Apostolic Churches.
There also remain hardline fanatics on all sides--many Roman Catholics demand that all must submit to the rule of the Pope and Latin theology. Many Orthodox demand that the West Easternize itself in numerous aspects, or disavow a thousand years' worth of theological expression and practice. Many Oriental Orthodox demand that the Chalcedonians repudiate dyophysitism and all those who opposed them, and essentially forget the Fourth Ecumenical Council onward.
Some questions I would like to pose:
1: Do you think unity between each of our great Churches is possible? If so, do you think it might happen in your lifetime?
2: What difficulties and obstacles do you think we would have to overcome?
3: Under what terms do you think unity between two or more of these Churches would take place?
4: What would each side have to give up for the sake of unity, and what would each side want to see happen in the event of a union, or before one can take place?
5: What would a reunited Church look like, administratively, theologically, liturgically and culturally?
6: Most importantly, what would a single, reunited Apostolic Church mean for Christianity and the world at large?