Participants at the recent meeting of the International Lutheran-Orthodox Commission on Theological Dialogue in Larnaca, Cyprus. Photo: LWF
International Lutheran Orthodox Commission meets in Cyprus to explore ‘Synodality and Primacy’
(LWI) - ‘Synodality and Primacy’ was the topic under the spotlight at the first plenary meeting of the 19th session of the International Lutheran Orthodox Commission on Theological Dialogue which concluded recently in Larnaca, Cyprus. Hosted by the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, the 19 to 24 May meeting began its work on the day in which the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea is believed to have opened 1,700 years ago.
In a message to the Commission members, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary, Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt noted that “the Council of Nicaea was foundation for the one Church of Christ and for Christian witness.” Referring to the “ground-breaking statement on the Filioque,” produced by the Commission last year, she said it has had “a deep impact on member churches of the LWF, many of whom have taken it up in study and liturgical practice.” She added that it has “initiated renewed trinitarian reflection in our churches as well as the wider ecumenical movement.”
Led by Commission co-presidents, Bishop Johann Schneider of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany and Metropolitan Kyrillos of Krini from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, participants explored the theological foundations of synodality and primacy from biblical, patristic and contemporary perspectives. They also spent time together in prayer and worship, attending a liturgical celebration to mark the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helen on 21 May.
Synodality and Primacy “are increasingly relevant today, as we encounter more and more autocratic forms of government and increasing polarization”
Prof. Dr Dirk Lange, LWF Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations
Prof. Dr Dirk Lange, LWF’s Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations and co-secretary of the Commission, said: “We are exploring the interconnectedness of synodality and primacy. Both are increasingly relevant today, as we encounter more and more autocratic forms of government and increasing polarization. How can churches witness to a different form of authority? How can we walk together as world communions? How is primacy understood as servanthood?”
Lange noted that “Synodality and the question of primacy also impact how the LWF understands itself as a communion and what mutual responsibility means.” He concluded: “The theological and ecclesial potential of this topic is significant, posing challenges for both of our communions internally, while at the same time, opening a path towards the unity God has already given.”
The next preparatory meeting of the Commision will be held from 16 to 19 November 2025 at the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France, hosted by the LWF.
