Theological Reflections on the Dialogue with the Orthodox Church from an Eastern Catholic Perspective

Abstract

This chapter presents methodological and thematic considerations for a dialogue between the Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. It argues for the need to take more account of the character of the Catholic Church as a communio that also includes Eastern Churches. Despite the thorny problem of Uniatism, Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians share a common heritage and face many similar challenges in the field of theology and with regard to current issues. The thematic areas of papal primacy and the filioque remain controversial, and there does not seem to be much leeway for the Eastern Catholic Churches on these topics. However, there are also signs of movement toward a broader common understanding. The search for complementarity and the development of a dialogue of life could help the churches to re-examine theological issues and their relationship, and to strengthen the ties between them, thereby deepening unity.