JOINT COMMISSION FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE MALANKARA (JACOBITE) SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
REPORT OF THE 2002 MEETING
Kottayam, 13-15 October 2002
The Joint Commission for dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church held its 7th meeting at the Spirituality Centre of Kottayam, on October 13-15, 2002. Two issues were on the agenda : (1) Common Witness and (2) Petrine ministry in relation to the See of Rome and to the See of Antioch.
On the issue of Common Witness, two papers were presented, one by Fr. Shibu Cherian from the Syrian Orthodox side, and another one by Fr. Mathew Vellanickal from the Catholic side. The Joint Commission members consequently suggested some areas and ways of possible collaboration, such as the organisation of common forums of Bible teaching, the promotion of traditions common to all St. Thomas Christians, the establishment of common programs in the fields of education, family life, social welfare and development, the increase of common prayer in particular occasions affecting the life of individuals, families and society, the admission to some sacraments in cases of pastoral necessity (eucharist, confession, anointing of the sick).
On the issue of Petrine Ministry, again two papers were presented, one by Fr. Xavier Koodapuzha from the Catholic side, and another one by Fr. C.S. James from the Syrian Orthodox side. Both delegations agreed that Jesus entrusted Simon Peter and his successors with a particular « ministry of unity ». According to the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Patriarch of Antioch, being the successor of Peter on the See of Antioch, exercises a «Petrine ministry » for the whole Syrian Orthodox Church. This « Petrine Ministry » is exercised by the Patriarch only in consultation with the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church. According to the Catholic Church, the bishop of Rome, as successor of Peter on the See of Rome, is invested with a ministry of unity for the whole Church. Both delegations also agreed that full communion of local Churches presupposes not only unity in faith and sacraments, but also unity in hierarchical ministry. Further reflection is required, however, to clarify the relation between both forms of « Petrine ministry », one exercised in Antioch and the other one in Rome.
Particular attention was given to some recent developments in the relation between the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian 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 Syrian Orthodox Church delegation was composed of: H.G. Metropolitan Markose Mar Koorilose (co-chairman); H.G. Metropolitan Joseph Mar Gregorios; Rev. Cor-Episcopa Dr. Adai Jacob (co-secretary); Rev. Fr. Daniel Thattarayil; Rev. Fr. Shibu Cherian; Rev. Fr. C.S. James; Rev.; Rev. Dr. Mani Rajan; Rev. Dn. Dr. Saji K.V.; Rev. Dn. Thomas Abraham. The participants from the Roman Catholic Church were: H.E. Bishop Marc Ouellet (co-chairman); 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 attend the meeting.
The next meeting is to be held at the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary of Mulanthuruthy (Ernakulam, Kerala), October 12-14, 2003. The main topic on the agenda will be The Nature of the Communion, we are aiming at. This theme will be considered from biblical and ecclesiological perspectives.
[Information Service 111 (2002/IV) 226]