www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Calling a Council

Hi all,

I've been thinking about this question for a while, and thought I'd start a new thread on it. It's sort of related to a few other current threads I think.

Basically, my question is, theologically or canonically speaking, is there anything standing in the way of a Council being called to discuss theological issues between East and West (Orthodox-Catholic) right now, even while we are divided (with the goal of such a council being restored communion and common faith)?

From my reading of history, it seems like Councils were mainly called AFTER a schism had already occured, with their main task being to clarify doctrine and restore communion between Churches in schism. If this is the case, couldn't a council be called today (theoretically speaking) wherein both Catholic and Orthodox bishops would attend as full, voting participants?

I guess this leads to the question that if this is THEORETICALLY possible, then shouldn't it be a HUGE priority for both Catholics and Orthodox?

God bless, all.

In Christ,
Mike (poor sinner)

[This message has been edited by Mike Nicholas (edited 06-17-2001).]

Both no doubt wish this but without some agreement prior to such a council then it would be a never-ending one. The long history of Trent would pale in comparison.
Of course, that could be a way of bringing unity...

Pax Christi,
John

My understanding is that Councils were called by not only the Ecumenical Synod, but also by the authority of the Emperor. Usually in response to some exernal schism, heresy or other caesaro-papist problem.

Today, who can call a council? My suspicion would be that the authority would lie in the original patriarchates -- since there are no "emperors" around. I would hope that the Pope of Rome, along with the Patriarch or Constantinople -- working with Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria -- would decide that a Council was to be called at a certain time and place. I think that we need to constantly send them a message that this needs to be done. (Of course, in terms of 'Church Time', this may take 200 years and we'll all have been dead for at least a century. But at least we'll have the satisfaction that we've done the groundwork!!)

Blessings!

[This message has been edited by Dr John (edited 06-18-2001).]

Dear Mike,

Calling a Council by East and West will, in and of itself, imply something for the role of papal authority versus conciliar authority.

This has been a sticking point since before the Schism of AD 1054.

The 14 Roman Councils following the first 7 never called into question the scope of papal authority.

A Council between East and West would be one which would do precisely that.

The question then would be: Would the pope accept the conclusions of an ecumenical council that would redefine his role and authority within a proposed reunification framework?

What would the pope's "veto" powers be? Could he just "up and leave" if discussions with the Orthodox wouldn't go in the direction he would like? What would the PR implications be?

These difficulties would come up even before a council could be called together.

But it doesn't mean it can't happen!

Alex