Modern Dialogue with Oriental Orthodoxy
The modern dialogues are important and hopeful, but they do not by themselves erase the need for ecclesial reception, shared councils, and restored communion.
Rival Claim
The Oriental Orthodox claim
Modern Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox statements show that the old Christological dispute was only verbal, so there is no real dogmatic separation left.
Hopeful dialogue is not finished communion
The 1989 and 1990 Chambesy agreed statements are serious and should be read with respect. They show that many old caricatures were false and that both sides can often recognize each other's intention to confess the one incarnate Christ.
Still, agreed statements are not the same as full ecclesial reception. The separation also involves the reception of Chalcedon and later councils, anathemas, saints, liturgical memory, and actual communion between bishops and altars. Orthodoxy can be hopeful about reunion without pretending that reunion has already happened.
- Chambesy agreed statement (1989)
- Chambesy agreed statement (1990)
- Chalcedon (451)