OO Meetings

Dec-2005
Oct-2004
Oct-2003
Dec-2002
Mar-2001
May-2000
Feb-1999
Mar-1998

Other Dialogues

OO-Anglican: Nov-2003
OO-RC: Jun-2003
OO-Anglican: Nov-2002
Russian Orth: Sep-2001
Pope at Damascus: May-2001
OO-RC: Jun-2000
Syriac Consultation: Jul-1997
Easter Date: Mar-1997
OO-SOC (on Marriage): Jan-1994
Melkite-SOC: Nov-1991
RC-SOC Declarations: 1971 & 1984

The Common Declaration signed by their Holinesses, Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I and Catholicos Aram I, reaffirmed their unity of faith based on common doctrinal position and theological teachings and manifested through Eucharistic communion and other sacraments of the Church.

The three Heads of churches reaffirmed their commitment to the ecumenical movement both through the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches. In their solidarity and unity of faith, they feel responsible to strive for the unity of all the churches, in the region and other parts of the world.

It is with the same spirit that their churches are actively engaged in bilateral theological dialogues with Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Reformed Churches which will further spell out the authenticity and orthodoxy of the Christological teachings of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Together they called for the preservation of the sacredness and integrity of the Christian Family, an institution established by God, hence condemning all practices and behaviors related to marriage and sexual orientation that are not in accord with biblical and moral teachings.

They reaffirmed the importance of inter-religious dialogue, underlining that Christian-Muslim Dialogue has been an integral part of the history, civilization and culture of the Middle East. With the prevailing situation and developments in the region, this dialogue of life should be enhanced to develop mutual respect and understanding between Christian and Muslim teachers, scholars and community leaders.

They appealed to their communities living in different parts of the world to remain firmly attached to their native lands by supporting initiatives and actions that promote Peace with justice in the Middle East, highlighting the role their respective churches have played in this respect. The peace process must continue they said and UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented by Israel, and Iraq should regain its independence, integrity and sovereignty. Only full justice will bring a real, permanent and comprehensive peace in the region.

Condemning all forms and expressions of violence, Heads of churches stressed that Religion in its essence is a promoter of love, hope and reconciliation. They appealed to their churches worldwide to remain faithful to the gospel committing themselves to give renewed efficiency and vitality to the witness of their churches.

Source:

The Middle-East Council of Churches