The Patriarchate of Alexandria has established a committee for dialogue with Anglicans

A landmark meeting of the Commission on Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox and Anglican Churches took place in Alexandria, marking the start of the committee’s work. During the meeting, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa emphasized the need for constructive engagement based on mutual respect and the preservation of the parties’ ecclesiastical identities.

The delegations were led by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, representing the interests of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and Bishop Michael Lewis on behalf of the Anglican Communion. The meeting of the working group took place at the building of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, continuing a series of recent contacts, in particular the talks between the Patriarch of Constantinople and Anglican representatives in Istanbul.

In his address, Patriarch Theodore II emphasized that genuine theological dialogue does not entail a renunciation of dogmas or one’s own identity, but rather a deep mutual understanding. The Primate of the Church of Alexandria specifically noted that missionary work should not be an arena for competition over numerical targets; on the contrary, it is called to be a sincere service to people facing poverty, suffering, and loneliness. According to the Patriarch, modern catechesis must shift from the transmission of theoretical knowledge to the process of fostering a living religious experience and a personal relationship between the individual and God.

As a reminder, earlier, Anglican “Bishop” Susan Bell issued an official apology to the LGBT community for the church’s longstanding practice of discriminating against and excluding members of sexual minorities from church life. As a sign of support for activists, she incorporated rainbow symbols into her vestments.