Orthodox and Catholic Bishops and Theologians Meet at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston hosted and chaired the meeting of the North American Orthodox Theological Consultation and the Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops. The meeting was held at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH on May 29 to June 1, 2018.

Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston led the Catholic delegation of bishops. The Catholic delegation of theologians was led by Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, NJ.

The North American Consultation, established in 1965, is the oldest continuous dialogue between Orthodox and Catholic theologians. Its purpose is to contribute to the restoration of full communion in the Apostolic Faith between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

Closely related to the Theological Consultation, the Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops in the United States was established in 1981. Examining pastoral and theological themes, this committee is the only regular meeting of Orthodox and Catholic bishops in the world.

The Joint Committee of Bishops and the Theological Consultation are sponsored by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the United States and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The topic of marriages between Orthodox and Catholics was among the themes discussed by the bishops and theologians. The participants reviewed previous recommendations on interchurch marriage and agreed to draft a new statement on topics related to marriage which would guide both clergy and laity.