Page 194 - Orthodoxy Zizioulas

O r t h o d o x y
The principles of Canon 34 must apply universally: the primus
acts with the others, and the others with the primus.
Within such a structure, the Bishop of Rome would coop-
erate with the other heads of Churches in all matters concern-
ing the whole Church. His primacy would be exercised in
communion, as president among equals and spokesman of a
common consensus.
Yet communion must extend beyond the heads of Church-
es to all levels of ecclesial life.
Under such conditions, a universal primus could be not
only useful but an ecclesiological necessity. The catholicity of
the local Church would be preserved, while the unity of the
Church in the world would be manifested.
For this to become reality, an ecclesiology of communion,
rooted in a theology—and ontology—of communion, is re-
quired. We trust in Him and pray that we may all be one, as
the Holy Trinity is One.
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