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The discussion explored the recent joint statement between Lutherans and Orthodox Christians regarding the Filioque, highlighting its importance in ecumenical dialogue and the progress made in resolving centuries-old theological disputes. The webinar featured presentations by theologians who shared insights on the historical context and theological implications of the Filioque clause, emphasizing its role in ecumenical discussions and the journey toward visible unity in Christ.
Rev. Prof. Dr Stephanie Dietrich, moderator of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order, said that the Ecumenical Year 2025 is a timely one during which to revisit one of the church-dividing doctrines that has separated East and West for centuries: the Filioque.
“The webinar offers a timely ecumenical reflection on the joint statement on the Filioque, issued by the Joint International Commission on Theological Dialogue between the Lutheran World Federation and the Orthodox Church,” she said. “The Filioque remains, as we all know, one of the most longstanding and profound theological differences between East and West.”
Protopresbyter Prof. Dr Demetrios Bathrellos agreed that the Filioque has been a church-dividing issue for a very long time—and still is to some extent.
“I'm very happy, very pleased, that we were able to reach a common, agreement, and produce a common statement which allows us, to some extent at least, to confess once again our common faith through the venerable creed of the second Ecumenical Council, the so-called Nicene Constantinopolitan creed,” he said. “The Filioque has been very hotly debated between the East and the West for at least a millennium.”
Prof. Dr Jennifer Wasmuth agreed that the Filioque is still regarded as a highly significant theological question that divides our churches today.
“Before we were able to address this issue in our dialogue, it took some time, and I would like to briefly outline the most important stages that eventually led to our joint statement about the Filioque,” she said. “Thus, the statement does not pretend to have solved the theological problem indicated by the Filioque once and for all.”
She added: “Rather its particular merit, it seems to me, lies precisely in its openness to further common theological reflection about that which is central to our facing the mystery of the Trinity.”
