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It seems to me that there is, generally, an unspoken understanding here that threads and side-issues between Catholics and Orthodox are conducted with a little more decorum and palpable mutual respect. This comes from the fact that we have much more in common with each other than found in any Catholic/Protestant or Orthodox/Protestant scenarios. In short, there's much less to get hot under the collar about and, relatively speaking, the issues that do divide us are on a second tier compared with some of the docrtinal debates here between us and the Protestants. It also derives, I believe, from an understanding that we have at least some real chance at reunification during our natural lifetimes.

Let's not muck things up between us with such harsh language and cheap-shot attacks. Believe it or not, there ARE comparable things that Catholics could bring up. I know for a fact that I and several others here try to act with respect and restraint here on the Catholic side, and nearly everyone on the Orthodox side of the ledger seems to be equally respectful and disinclined to use invective. Couldn't you do the same?

I agree with all you have said, but many historical events must be brought up. When did the Eastern Church sack Rome? When did the Eastern Church ignore Rome's cries for help? Did the EOC abandon the RCC to islam? We are to speak the truth in love, but first we need to speak the truth!

Let's not muck things up between us with such harsh language and cheap-shot attacks. Believe it or not, there ARE comparable things that Catholics could bring up. I know for a fact that I and several others here try to act with respect and restraint here on the Catholic side, and nearly everyone on the Orthodox side of the ledger seems to be equally respectful and disinclined to use invective. Couldn't you do the same?

Actually, I don't think x5452 or STD were part of the large EO-RC flames that took place in 2003! But those were good -- we learnt a lot about each other and I think we have come closer. What really set us thinking were Beslan and the death of JPII --> we both realised how much we have in common and how much the errors of the past centuries are being resolved, slowly but surely. We aren't one yet, but we are moving towards understanding. I think invective and drudging up the past don't help our understanding of each other.

I, as a Catholic can now understand the EO position on the Filioque and on Papal infallibility and can agree (on a personal level) to their point that these MUST be put aside to be discussed during a ecumenical council. I agree that all decisions made by either side AFTER the 7 councils must be deliberated by the united Church.