Filioque in ecumenical dialogue

Tadeusz Kałużny

Abstract

The author offers a comprehensive presentation of the history and results of the most important ecumenical dialogues on Filioque. The topic has been basically developed in two parts. In the first part, the author discusses the achievements of mutual dialogues directly referring to the researched matter. The dialogues meant here are the following: the dialogue between the Orthodox Christians, on the one hand, and Old Catholics, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Lutherans and Reformed Christians, on the other hand. In the second part, the author pays attention to the results of multilateral dialogue, and, more precisely, to the documents of the World Council of Churches’ Commission on Faith and Order which touch upon these issues. It follows from the present analysis that in the course of the conducted dialogues consensus was achieved concerning the normative and catholic character of the 381 Nicene-Constantinopolitan Symbol. Besides, it was pointed out that the inclusion of Filioque in the Symbol of Faith was not canonical, and it was postulated that liturgy should come back to the original text of the Creed. Some differences of emphasis in understanding Filioque were also noted, including those referring to theological evaluation of this addition. The reflection that was taken up indicates the necessity of continuing the dialogue on Filioque.

Keywords:

Filioque, ecumenism, ecumenical dialogue, theological dialogue