The close relationship between the Episcopal Church and the Russian Orthodox Church was strongly reaffirmed during a recent meeting in Moscow of the joint co-ordinating committee established in 1989 to promote co-operation between the two Churches.

At a gathering of more than 50 Russian metropolitans and bishops, attended by the committee, Patriarch Alexy II made a forceful statement of his appreciation for the assistance of the Episcopal Church, especially in the area of social ministry.

"The patriarch was forthright in welcoming our ECUSA delegation as the Russian Orthodox Church's closest ecumenical partners in his welcome, toast and speech," reported Bishop Roger White of Milwaukee, Episcopal chair of the committee. "The Patriarch left no doubt of his deep commitment to this close relationship."

Given a mood among some Russian Orthodox bishops of animosity toward the proselytising efforts of other denominations, the ringing endorsement at such an event was "deeply appreciated," said the Revd David Perry, national ecumenical officer. The Patriarch stressed that "the Episcopal Church is opposed to proselytism, that our relationship is a model of real ecumenical relations," Fr Perry said.

Possible dialogue on ecclesiology discussed

The committee includes three members from each Church appointed by Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning and the patriarch, as well as national ecumenical officers. During its business session, members developed initial plans for a possible theological dialogue on ecclesiology to be held in early 1997 in Russia. Two earlier dialogues were held on the subjects of the episcopacy and evangelism. In his comments, Patriarchy Alexy expressed his hope that Presiding Bishop Browning might visit Russia in 1997, perhaps as part of such a meeting.