N.A. Orthodox–Catholic Theological Consultation meets

(SVOTS) - In the first week of June, St. Vladimir's Seminary hosted the 84th meeting of the North American Orthodox–Catholic Theological Consultation, the oldest official dialogue between the two Churches in the modern era. The dialogue is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and South America.

Since its establishment in 1965, the Consultation has now issued more than 20 agreed statements on various topics. All these texts are now available on the USCCB Website.

The Very Rev. John Erickson, former dean of St. Vladimir's, and Dr. Paul Meyendorff, professor of Liturgical Theology at the Seminary, are members of the group and participated in the meeting. "During our discussions," said Professor Meyendorff, "we focused on the role of the laity in the life of the Church, as well as on the contentious question of priestly celibacy."