Introduction

The relationship between the Anglican Communion and the Oriental Orthodox Churches is one of the most profound and fruitful theological dialogues in the Christian world.

After a separation lasting more than fifteen centuries—dating back to disagreements at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD—our two families of churches are now walking together in a restored spirit of unity.

Through the work of the Anglican–Oriental Orthodox International Commission (AOOIC), we have not only overcome historic theological divides but have built a deep partnership grounded in a “Theology of Life”—a commitment to doing theology in the midst of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Healing Ancient Wounds

Since the resumption of formal dialogue in 2013, the Commission has achieved remarkable theological breakthroughs:

• Resolving the Christological Controversy (2014): In a historic agreement signed in Cairo, the Commission healed the ancient rift regarding the nature of Christ, rejecting the label of “Monophysite” and affirming our common faith in the Incarnation
• Agreement on the Holy Spirit (2017): In Dublin, the Commission reached a consensus on the Procession of the Holy Spirit, effectively resolving the centuries-old Filioque controversy between our traditions

A Theology of Life

Today, the dialogue has moved beyond academic debate to an “ecumenism of the heart.” The Commission meets not in isolation, but in the lived reality of its member churches.

From listening to the stories of garbage collectors in Cairo and visiting the Baptismal Site in Jordan, to meeting displaced families from Artsakh in Armenia, the Commission’s work is deeply rooted in shared suffering, prayer, and advocacy. This “contextual pilgrimage” ensures that our pursuit of unity is always connected to the needs of the world God loves.