My two cents.
You can't easily convince those with strong beliefs in support of rapprochement or absolute segregation between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, to change their opinions. Without a return to everything that Orthodox tradition maintains, it isn't likely that a consensus will develop within Orthodoxy for acceptance of Rome's innovative theology; neither is it likely that Rome will concede anything of its current beliefs to Orthodoxy. Of course, I don't deny the possible intervention of the Holy Spirit into the minds of Roman hierarchy, but my comments are restricted to the reality of today that I see. Without the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit, does anyone think the Roman's will deny the "infallibility of the Pope when he speaks ex-cathedra," or the "Immaculate Conception of St. Ann," or for that matter accept the Orthodox understanding of the fallen world vs. their belief in mankind's inheritance of "original sin?" Will they admit to the error that the Holy Spirit proceeds also from the Son, that the "filioque" was erroneously added to the "Symbol of Faith?" In my opinion, our Orthodox leadership should be forthright with the Catholic leadership in our dialogues, and admit that it isn't likely Eastern Orthodoxy will reunite with Roman Catholicism, due to the theological differences, many of which are connected to the authority the Roman Catholic Church has granted over time to the person of His Holiness the Pope. These differences have much to do with the living tradition of these two churches which have been separated for over a millennium, longer than as long as we were united, as Patriarch Bartholomew articulated to one of the Catholic Universities (Was it Georgetown?) during one of his visits to America during the last decade. We should pursue dialogue, acknowledging what we agree about, but likewise acknowledging of what we do not agree. We need to articulate the differences which keep us separated and advise Rome, a consensus will not develop in Orthodox Christianity which can ignore these differences. However, along with Oriental Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism is the closest Christian community to Eastern Orthodoxy. In today's world, which is so consumed with secular, evil, and heretical forces, including the extremist Moslem scourge, we should forge a foundation for speaking jointly to the world. We should include in a conference of Christian churches, the few remaining traditional Christian denominations, "Trinitarian Christians," which adhere to basic Christian tradition and theology, denominations that believe in the Holy Trinity, "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Trinity, one in essence and undivided," whose members are baptized with water in the name of the Holy Trinity, and not include excessively "innovative Christians," including churches that do not oppose ordination of female and homosexual clergy.
Of course, we should pray for the unity of Christendom, i.e. the return of all Christians to the theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church, but until progress is made in that regard, we should maintain loving and respectful relations and have a platform for speaking to the world the message of our Lord and Saviour.
