Participants at the meeting in Sète, France, of the Joint International Commission on Theological Dialogue between the LWF and the Orthodox Church. Photo: LWF/M. Rawcliffe
Lutheran Orthodox Commission concludes a meeting hosted by United Protestant Church of France
(LWI) - Lutheran and Orthodox theologians have concluded a second plenary meeting of the 19th session of their Joint International Commission on Theological Dialogue between the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Orthodox Church. The meeting took place in the southern French town of Sète from 10 to 16 May, hosted by the United Protestant Church of France.
The two delegations, led by co-presidents Bishop Johann Schneider from the Evangelical Church in Central Germany and Metropolitan Kyrillos of Krini from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, continued their reflections on the topic of ‘Synodality and Primacy’. A communique from the group said discussions focused on “the dynamic relationship between synodality, understood as the collective discernment and participation of the faithful in the life of the Church, and primacy, understood as a ministry of unity and pastoral leadership.”
Questions of ‘Synodality and Primacy’ are “of profound ecclesiological importance for both our traditions.
Prof. Dr Dirk Lange, LWF Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations
LWF Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations, Prof. Dr Dirk Lange noted that “these are issues of profound ecclesiological importance for both our traditions,” with discussions “centered on questions such as the nature and connection between churches in communion.” In Sète, he added: “We were working on defining terms and identifying challenges for both sides with the goal of producing a joint statement to be published in the next couple of years.”
During the meeting, participants visited the historic city of Avignon with its medieval fortress and palace which was home to the popes during the 14th century. They also heard from Rev. Jean-François Breyne, president of the regional council of the United Protestant Church of France and attended a Eucharist for the feast of the Ascension, celebrated by Bishop Johann Schneider.
Both sides welcomed the “spirit of fellowship and mutual understanding” which characterized the meeting, alongside “a shared commitment to the unity of the Church.” The Commission’s next session will be held from 12 to 15 October in the Greek capital, Athens, hosted by the Orthodox Diocese of Peristeri.
