Page 288 - Orthodoxy Zizioulas

O r t h o d o x y
In conclusion, it must be said that the Orthodox should
have full freedom to engage with all matters, particularly re-
garding the theological and spiritual direction and the leader-
ship of the ecumenical movement. It is not enough to simply
ask them to comment on documents and texts already pre-
pared by non-Orthodox members. It would be inappropriate
to consider the Orthodox presence irrelevant to the social and
political concerns of the Council and to confine them to the
“ghetto” of Faith and Order; this would effectively limit their
involvement to the classic issue—which indeed remains cen-
tral for them—of the unity of the Church.
Future developments will largely depend on the ability of
both Orthodox and Protestant members of the Council to
adjust their positions. The former should strive to bring to
light the existential implications of their faith and traditional
structures, while the latter should recognize that without the
perspective of true catholicity—which would include the
Eastern ἔϑος (ethos)—and without visible unity, it is impos-
sible for the Church in any era, including our own, to fulfill a
historical role. Significant changes will therefore be necessary
within the Council, both theologically and constitutionally, if
the Orthodox are to be enabled to make a greater contribution
to ecumenical work in the future.
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