JOINT COMMISSION FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 
AND THE MALANKARA ORTHODOX SYRIAN CHURCH

REPORT OF THE 2002 MEETING

Kottayam, 16-18 October 2002

The Joint Commission of the Catholic Church and the Manlankara Orthodox Syrian Church held its 14^e meeting at the Spirituality Centre of Kottayam, on October 16-18, 2002. Three major issues were on the agenda, related to Church history, ecclesiology and common witness.

Firstly, regarding Church history, three papers were presented on the reunion efforts among the Saint Thomas Christians after the Coonan Cross Oath, up to the time of Mar Thoma IV (1653-1808). Two papers were presented from the Catholic side, by Fr. Francis Thonippara and by Fr. Francis Pereparambil. One paper was presented from the Orthodox side, by Fr. T.I.. Varghese. From the time of Mar Thoma I on, several reunion efforts were undertaken, either among the divided Saint Thomas Christians or between the Jacobite bishops and Rome. The stirring attempt of Mar Dionysius (+ 1808) to be accepted in the Catholic Church, followed by the failure of this short-lived reunion, was most meaningful in this respect. Discussion, however, showed how much Catholic and Orthodox scholars still diverge in their understanding of these historical events and the archival sources related to them.

Secondly, with regard to Ecclesiology, two papers were presented on the relation between the local church and the universal church. Fr. Johns Abraham Konat presented a paper from an Orthodox point of view, Fr. Mathew Vellanickal from a Catholic point of view. As appeared from the papers and the subsequent discussion, the meaning of "universal Church" remains quite different in the Orthodox and the Catholic tradition. As a result both traditions have different views on the concrete institutions that should shape or guarantee the genuine relation between the "local Church" and the "universal Church". Both delegations agreed on the particular meaning of both eucharist and episcopacy in uniting the local Church and the universal Church.

Thirdly, as to the issue of Common Witness, several common events were planned for the next months: a seminar on communication and media; a conference on family life and spirituality; an ecumenical pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Thomas, on the occasion of the 1950 anniversary of St. Thomas' arrival in India; a one day academic seminar as well as a particular meeting of members of religious orders to deepen the meaning of the same anniversary celebration.

Finally, the Joint Commission also dealt with the proposed "Common Statement on Inter-Church Marriages", drafted by the Joint Commission meeting of 2000. The Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church recently accepted this draft Statement, though suggesting some amendments, that were submitted to the Joint Commission. Since the Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has not accepted the draft Statement, new steps will be taken to bring the project back to the Synod's attention, together with the amendments of the Syro-Malabar Church.

Particular attention was given to some recent developments in the relation between the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church. The two delegations expressed their hope that official as well as non-official mediations may make a successful contribution to the reconciliation of both ecclesial fractions.

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church delegation was composed of: H.G. Metropolitan Philipos Mar Eusebius (co-chairman); H.G. Metropolitan Mathews Mar Severios; H.G. Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Coorilos; Very Revd. Ramban Theophoros; Fr. K.M. George; Fr. Johns Abraham; Fr. Reji Mathew; Fr. M.O. John; Fr. John Paniker; Fr. John Mathews (co-secretary), Shri P.C. Abraham, Dr. A. Karakkal. The participants from the Roman Catholic Church were: H.E. Bishop Marc Ouellet (co­chairman); H.E. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil; H.E. Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios (representative of H.E. Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios); H.E. Bishop Mar Mathew Moolakatt (representative of H.E. Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry); Fr. Geevarghese Chediath; Fr. Xavier Koodapuzha; Fr. Mathew Vellanickal; Fr. Francis Pereparambil; Msgr. Johan Bonny (co-secretary). H.E. Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios, H.E. Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry and H.E. Bishop Patrick D'Souza were unable to altend the meeting.

The next meeting is to be held at the Sophia Centre of Kottayam, 15-17 October 2003. There will be three issues on the agenda. Firstly, regarding the concept of communion, the sub-commission on theology will prepare papers on the concept of primacy in the Church. Secondly, the sub-commission on Church history will study various developments in the liturgical tradition of the St. Thomas Churches, from the 16^th till the 19 centuries. This sub-commission will also start some preparatory work in view of the publication of some primary sources relating to the history of the St. Thomas Churches. Thirdly, regarding common witness, the Joint Commission expressed the wish that the 1950 anniversary celebration of St. Thomas' arrival in India may offer the right occasion to organise several ecumenical events, bringing together leaders, religious and faithful of all local St. Thomas Churches.

[Information Service 111 (2002/IV) 227]