Head of Phanar to Britain's Christian leaders: Unity is our common goal

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said the movement towards unity between different Christian denominations is a common goal for all Christians, reports the pro-Phanarian resource fosfanariou.gr.

During his visit to London, attending a "lunch of Christian leaders" at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Patriarch Bartholomew said that "the commitment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to Christian unity has always been unwavering and paramount, from the early years of the Ecumenical movement".

Addressing Christian leaders in Britain, the head of the Phanar stressed that "If we do not place the issue of unity and communion at the centre of our commitment, we will lose the authenticity of our relationships and the common goal that brings us together".

He told the gathering that the Patriarchate of Constantinople has "excellent and very talented theologians working on various aspects of our doctrine" for this purpose.

Patriarch Bartholomew gave special thanks to the members of the International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue "who have worked so tirelessly on many theological issues".

As earlier reported, Patriarch Bartholomew believes that ecumenism is a blessing and an opportunity for reconciliation.

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