I am very pleased that this dialogue continues. I feel that the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, for various reasons, will be reconciled before the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Sure, we (Catholics) have about 10 times as many ecumenical councils as Oriental Orthodoxy recognizes...but relations between us, from what I have heard/read, seem less tense than they often are between the Catholic Communion and the Byzantine Orthodox Churches.
Unity is a great goal, but it has to be approached in truth. With all respect, I do not share your view. This unity will not take place soon for many reasons:
- Theological differences that cannot be reconciled, among them the Filioque, Immaculate Conception, Purgatory,...
- Papal Infallability (rejected by OO)
- Roman Supremacy (rejected by OO)
- Doctrinal development
Rome will never back down on their Papal claims conerning Supremacy and Infallability, and it will never be conceded (I hope never) on the part of OO. In addition, Rome takes a different approach to faith than OO. We believe that the faith is delivered once and for all to the apostles (Jude 3), yet it seems that Rome tends to develop new doctrines, and this is very hard to reconcile or to be even taught. It is a way of life. For the sake of argument, let us assume Rome denounces the Filioque tomorrow, that will still not create an orthodox heart in the RC church.
Also, the RC church have taken a more liberal trend since the 60's, and actions such allowing Protestants or non believers to partake in the Holy Communion and in sacraments (such as the sacrament of matrimony) do not advance the unity talks. OO will not allow non believers into communion, nor will they be happy if their children in the West (specially in the West) marry non-Orthodox in a Catholic church, if the churches are united.
EO and OO unity might be easier, as difficult as it is.
