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

REPORT OF THE 1997 MEETING

Kottayam, 10-14 November 1997

The Joint Commission of the Roman Catholic and the Malankara₁Orthodox Syrian Church held its 9^th meeting, from 10-14 November 1997, at the Sophia Centre, Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kot­tayam. Four topics were discussed:

1.  Primacy and Collegiality

Although this question provoked different reac­tions, we agreed that primacy and conciliarity are two complementary dimensions of exercising apostolic authority in the Church. As every authority is at the service of communion, primacy and conciliarity are both expressions and means of fostering commu­nion in the Church. It was proposed that further investigations should be undertaken on the biblical and ecclesiological foundation of the ministry of the bishop of Rome.

2. The Synod of Diamper

The Synod of Diamper (1599) was approached from different perspectives. All agreed that this synod brought about drastic changes in the ecclesial life of the Thomas Christians. The particular her­itage of this Church was severely distorted by west­ernisation and latinisation. The wounds inflicted by this history should now be mended through a peaceful healing of memories. In view of this, it was proposed that a statement from both Churches should be issued at the 400^th anniversary of Diamper in 1999.

3. Mixed Marriages

Although it was impossible to agree on a common declaration on mixed marriages during the last ses­sions, an interim provision was elaborated with regard to the "free state certificate" needed to facili­tate the celebration of an inter-church matrimony. The formerly established agreement between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church on mixed marriages favored this positive evo­lution. The proposed provision is to be submitted to the authorities of both Churches for approval. This is a valuable proposition in terms of resolving some immediate pastoral problems and providing a con­crete step on the way to a full agreement.

4. Common Witness

Finally some suggestions on practical issues concerning common witness were discussed: projects for the Great Jubilee 2000; the possibility of a social pro­ject to be undertaken together as a gift to society for the Jubilee 2000; an ecumenical and healing com­memoration of the synod of Diamper in 1999; a bet­ter participation in the annual week of prayer for Christian unity; the publication of a prayer for Chris­tian unity, to be distributed for family use.

The participants from the Malankara Orthodox Church in this meeting were: Metropolitan Philipos Mar Eusebios (co-chairman), Metropolitan Thomas Mar Athanasios, Metropolitan Mathews Mar Seve­rios, Very Revd. Ramban Theophoros, Fr. K.M. George, Fr. Jacob Kurian, Fr. V.P. Varghese, Fr. M.O. John, Fr. John Mathews (co-secretary), Fr. John Panicker; Shri P.C. Abraham and Shri A.K. Thomas; the participants from the Roman Catholic Church were: H.E. Bishop Pierre Duprey (co-chairman), H.E. Archbishop Joseph Mar Powathil, H.E. Arch­bishop Cyril Mar Baselios, H.E. Bishop Patrick D'Souza, H.E. Bishop Kuriakose Mar Kunnacherry, Fr. Xavier Koodaphuza, Fr. Mathew Vellanickal, Fr. Geevarghese Chediath, Fr. Johan Bonny ( co-secre­tary), Mr Giovanni Luca Lidonnici.

The next meeting is scheduled for 26-30 October 1998 at the Spirituality Centre, Manganam, Kot­tayam.

[Information Service 96 (1997/IV) 139-140]