Unity

The first unofficial meeting between clergy and theologians of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches took place in Aarhus, Denmark in 1964. There were 4 unofficial meetings:
Aarhus - 1964
Bristol - 1967
Geneva - 1970
Addis Ababa - 1971

These were followed by a series of official dialogues between the Churches. These took place at:
Geneva - 1985
Egypt - 1989
Geneva - 1990
Geneva - 1993

A number of statements have been issued by the Joint Commission, as well as agreements relating to Pastoral matters. The main agreement is that 'We have inherited from our fathers in Christ the one apostolic faith and tradition.'
The important statements issued are:

  1. Relations with the Eastern Orthodox Churches,Statement by the Oriental Orthodox Churches, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1965
  2. On the Unity of the Faith, Joint Declaration of the Patriarchs of the Middle East
  3. First Agreed Statement (1989)
  4. Second Agreed Statement (1990)
  5. Recommendations on Pastoral Issues (1990)
  6. Proposals for Lifting Anathemas (1993)