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Answer:
Dr. Alexander Roman
alex@unicorne.org
Thank you for raising an important issue in
connection with that report!
One problem with such documents that are prepared by theologians is that
it represents a partial discussion only - that of theologians. We have yet
to hear what their Church authorities will say of it and whether anything
from those reports will actually be implemented.
On the whole, I would say that the report says nothing that hasn't been
said before on the issue of the Filioque - the later Latin addition to the
Nicene Creed that asserted the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father AND
from the Son.
The Roman Catholic Church has made a number of significant steps forward
insofar as its theologians recognize the various aspects of the Orthodox
position as being valid - but without committing themselves to a definite
plan for resolving the issue.
In this, I do believe Pope John Paul II, better than any theologian, is
proceeding with an approach that may be agreeable to Orthodox Christians
on this matter.
He understands that the Filioque, apart from its historic theological
context, should never have been inserted by the Latins into a Creed that
was proclaimed by an Ecumenical Council to express the faith of the
universal Church. At the same time, he is faced by the tradition of the
West that has used the Filioque for a long time.
Nevertheless, he has allowed the Roman Catholic Church of Greece to use
the original Creed without the Filioque. And he uses a number of occasions
himself, especially when he celebrates the Mass in Greek, to use the
original Creed without the Filioque.
The theology of the Filioque may be admitted as a "theologoumenon" or a
theological opinion, as Kallistos Ware has written, but not as a dogmatic
definition binding on the universal Church. But there is no question but
that the original Creed of the Ecumenical Councils, without the Filioque,
may be the only basis for agreement on this matter between East and West.
My own view here is that the proverbial "ball" is in the Vatican's court
right now.
If Rome is serious about ecumenical relations and all that that entails,
then it should waste no more time but return to the original Creed by
dropping the Filioque as soon as possible.
Catechesis of the Latin faithful would be required for this to come about
smoothly, given the fact that the West is used to the Filioque and often
doesn't understand "what the big deal is" on this score when the Orthodox
are concerned.
Once this occurs, further discussions may proceed more smoothly. The
Orthodox, it would seem, are just unconvinced that Rome is negotiating in
good faith here. Actions do speak louder than words.
Ultimately, when we confess that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father,
we are simply repeating the words of OLGS Jesus Christ in the Gospels.
We should accept His word regarding the procession of the Spirit that
proceeds from the Father and is sent in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Let us always guard against the temptation to try and "improve" on the
theology of our Lord Himself!
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