Orthodox-Anglican dialogue continues

(ACNS) – The International Commission of the Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue continued its series of meetings in Salisbury, England in October.

The Commission is composed of representatives of the Orthodox Churches and the churches of the Anglican Communion.

The Commission continued work on the doctrine of the church by considering the nature and authority of the episcopal ministry and the question of conciliarity and primacy. The essential convergence of Anglican and Orthodox views on these issues emerged.

Since 1973 the Dialogue has worked to explore and reconcile doctrinal differences between the Anglican and Orthodox Churches.

In 1998 it produced interim agreed statements on the Trinity and the Church, Christ, the Spirit and the Church, and Christ, Humanity and the Church: Parts I and II. In 2001 the Commission will examine the meaning of sacramental priesthood in the church, and its relation to the unique high priesthood of Christ, as well as look at other forms of ministry in the church.