Modern Ecumenical Efforts

     Today, many churches around the world are working towards developing communion with the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Most of the Oriental Orthodox Churches are members of the World Council of Churches where they work towards Christian unity with other church bodies from around the world. The Oriental Orthodox also have established bilateral relations with the Eastern Orthodox which has enabled the two to grow much closer together- though they are still not in communion at this time. (Osthathios)

    In 2014, the Anglican Communion signed an agreement with the Oriental Orthodox Churches that stated that they were in full agreement in regard to their Christology. The statement mentions that they have reached a "mutual understanding." (Office) In 2017, the two communions released another statement that affirmed their mutual agreement regarding "the procession and work of the Holy Spirit." (Office) Thus, their Pneumatology (understanding of the Holy Spirit) is quite similar. Their understanding is definitely similar enough for them to assent to each other's views, 

    Today, the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox are furthering their understanding of each other's Christology. The Oriental Orthodox are rightly understood by the Eastern Orthodox as not proclaiming monophysitism so much as they are staying true to St. Cyril of Alexandria's understanding of Christ as possessing one nature that is fully divine and fully human. The Oriental Orthodox are understood as not disregarding Christ's humanity, but instead using different language to describe it in relation to Christ's divinity. There is also a growing emphasis being placed on St. Cyril at the Council of Chalcedon and the further development of Christology at later ecumenical councils. Thus, it can be argued that the Council of Chalcedon could be interpreted through the theology of St. Cyril of Alexandria. (Erickson) This is a major development and we should all be praying for the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox to reach communion with one another. If that were to happen, we would all be one step closer to reaching Christian unity. I am reminded by a great quote from St. Augustine which says: "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things charity." If all churches could adopt this line of reasoning, the world would be a far greater place. Peace!

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