Church in the World

Leaders hopeful as Belgrade talks open

Russia

The head of Russia's Orthodox Church has called for an end to Catholic-Orthodox disputes during a new round of inter-church dialogue which opened in Belgrade on Monday. "I would like to express hope for further development of relations and a speedy settlement of the problems dividing us", said Patriarch Alexei II. "Our Churches' common stand on many of today's challenges is a solid foundation for our common witness to Christian values before the world, which so much needs it today".

The patriarch made his remarks in a letter to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's newly appointed Secretary of State, wishing him "God's help in this important office". Meanwhile, a Moscow Patriarchate official confirmed that his Church counted on "mutual understanding" among negotiators at the International Commission for Theological Dialogue, which is being co-chaired by Cardinal Walter Kasper, chairman of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, and Metropolitan Ioannis Zizoulias of Pergamon.

"These are not talks, but a meeting of theologians to discuss important issues, and we need them to hear each other", said Fr Igor Vyzhanov, head of the Patriarchate's department for inter-Christian relations, who is representing the Russian Church in Belgrade with Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev of Vienna.

"Current developments in the Christian world show the proximity of approaches by the Catholic and Orthodox churches on many issues - theological dialogue can provide a foundation for their interaction".

The week-long Belgrade meeting, inaugurated on 18 September by Patriarch Pavle of Serbia, brings together 60 Catholic representatives and 10 Orthodox patriarchates and autocephallous (self-governing) Churches. Issues to be covered include Communion and sacraments, relations between papal primacy and collegiality, and the future of Greek or Eastern Catholic churches who combine the eastern liturgy with loyalty to Rome.