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

REPORT OF THE 1991 MEETING

Kurichy, 6-7 December 1991

The Second Meeting of the Joint Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Syrian Orthodox Church was held on December 6 and 7 at St. Thomas Minor Seminary, Kurichy. There were seven participants each from either side, delegated by the Pope and the Patriarch.

In the first session which was quite an informal one, the commission discussed various issues regarding Co-operation between the two churches. Afterwards, in different sessions, the reports of the three Sub Commissions on Inter-Marriage, Common witness and History of the two churches were presented and discussed. With regard to the inter-marriage question, the two churches could come to an agreement, after reaching a theological consensus regarding the sacrament of marriage. To quote from the document on Inter-Marriage, passed at the meeting. "Our two churches desire to foster marriages within the same ecclesial communion and consider it normal. However, we have to accept the reality that inter-church marriages do take place. When such occasions arise, both churches should facilitate the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony in either of the churches, allowing the bride/bridegroom the right and freedom to attain their own ecclesial communion, by providing necessary information and documents. On the occasion of these celebrations, the couple as well as their family members are allowed to participate in Holy Eucharist in the church where the sacrament of matrimony is celebrated. We consider it also the great responsibility of the parents to pay special attention to impart proper ecclesial formation to their children in full harmony with their ecclesial communion and mutual accord”. This was in conformity with the spirit of the Joint Communique of the Pope and the Patriarch in 1984. This agreement on Inter-Marriage is indeed a great step towards further unity between the two churches.

The Sub Commission on the History of the two churches identified the main points of agreement and disagreement on this issue. It was decided that the discussion in this area should continue.·

The report of the Sub Commission on Common witness was also endorsed by the Commission. It envisages further collaborations in the spheres of prayer, liturgical celebration, Social Witness, Inter-Religion dialogue etc.

The commission also resolved to arrange an annual get-together of the Bishops of the two churches with a view to keep in touch with the issues which could arise out of the Common decisions, their implementation and other related aspects.

Another Sub Commission on the Role of Episcopacy was appointed by the commission. Rev. Fr. Cherian Poothicote was asked to be the convener of this six member Sub-Commission. Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasious, Rev. Fr. Cherian Poothicote, and Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Moolayil, will represent the Syrian Orthodox Church. Whereas Fr. Mathew Vellanichal, Fr. Xavier Koodapuzha and Fr. Gheevarghese Chediathu were appointed to be the representatives of the Catholic Church in the Sub-Commission. It was resolved to hold its first meeting in the last week of April.

Two delegates from Rome Viz. Rev. Fr. Clarence Gallagher, S.J. and Rev. Fr. Bernard Dubasque also attended the Commission. Apart from them, the Catholic side was represented by the Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil, Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry, Fr. Mathew Vellanickal, Rev. Fr. Xavier Koodapuzha and Fr. Gheevarghese Chediathu. The Syrian Orthodox Church’s delegation included H.G. Thomas Mar Athanesious, H.G. Yuhanon Mar Milithios, Very Rev. P.P. Joseph Cor-Episcope, Rev. Dr. Adai Jacob, Fr. Cherian Poothicottu, Dr. D Babu Paul, I.A.S., and Mr. George Mathew.