To the [[Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]] the [[Roman Catholic Church]] added the phrase ''"and the Son"'' -- in Latin, 'Filioque''''filioque''''' -- is a Latin word meaning "and the Son" which was added to the description of the [[Holy SpiritNicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]]'s procession, in violation of by the [[canonsChurch of Rome]] in the 11th century, one of the major factors leading to the [[Third Ecumenical CouncilGreat Schism]]between East and West. This word was not included by inclusion in the Creedal article regarding the [[First Ecumenical Council|Council of NiceaHoly Spirit]] nor of [[Second Ecumenical Council|Constantinople]], and thus states that the [[Orthodox Church]] considers this inclusion to be a [[heresy]]. The [[Church of England]] is generally sympathetic to Spirit "proceeds from the Orthodox position, Father '''''and both versions are authorized, but inertia leads most churches to continue to include the Son'''Filioque'' except during [[ecumenism|ecumenical]] services."

== Use The description of the ''Filioquefilioque'' as a heresy was iterated most clearly and definitively by the great [[Church Fathers|Father]] and [[Pillars of Orthodoxy|Pillar]] of the Church, St. [[Photius the Great]], in his ''On the Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit''. He describes it as a heresy of [[Triadology]], striking at the very heart of what the West ==Church believes about God.

The phrase "and the son" (''filioque'' in Latin) was ==Preliminary Issues: A Summary of Historical Terms===== Early Linguistic Uncertainty ===It should first used in Toledo, Spain in 587 without the consultation or agreement of the other four [[patriarch]]s of the [[Church]] at be noted that time much confusion over this topic historically may be due to philosophical and terminological gaps which had to be filled in direct violation of [[canons]] of the [[Third Ecumenical Council]] that prohibited unilateral alteration of the Creed by anything short of another [[Ecumenical Council]]. The purpose of its addition in Spain was to counter a [[heresy]] that was local to that region, probably some form of [[Arianism]]. The practice spread then order to France where it was repudiated at the Gentilly Council in 767. Emperor [[Charlemagne]] called for a council at Aixaccurately discuss God-la-Chapelle in 809 at which [[Pope Leo III]] forbade the use of the filioque clause and ordered that the [[Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]] be engraved on silver tablets displayed at Stnot misconstrue Him. Peter's Basilica in Rome so that his conclusion would not be overturned in Over time, within Orthodoxy (especially with the futurehelp of Sts. The dispute over the filioque clause Athanasios and the manner Gregory of its adoption was one of the reasons for the [[Great Schism]]. The filioque clause was officially added Palamas), an ideological framework seems to the Roman Catholic version of the creed by the Second Council of Lyons in 1274 although it was first used in liturgy during the coronation of Holy Roman Emperor Henry II by [[Pope Benedict VIII]] in 1014have emerged.

== Historical Background =The Framework & Its Importance: The Three Realities in God = ==Those (albeit in a different order below) constitute what St. Gregory of Palamas described as the three realities of God.<ref>The One Hundred and Fifty Chapters 75, tr. by Robert Sinkewicz (Toronto: Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies, 1988), p. 171.</ref> It is within this developed framework that the Orthodox articulate realities that the Orthodox Church has held from the beginning. Below, each reality heads a list of terms which historically have been used in attempts to express each said reality.

It is useful to note that a regional council in Persia in 410 introduced one of the earliest forms of ==== Who God Is: ==== References the[[Trinity]]: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit* '''person'''* '''hypostasis''' - (''filioquelit.'' in the Creed“standing~under”); the council specified that the Spirit proceeds from the Father "and from preferred Greek term designating the Sonconcept of person* '''prosopon''' (pl. prosopa) - (lit." “face/mask”) Coming from the rich theology of An early East Syrian Christianity, this expression in this context is authentically Easternbut less-preferred, Greek term. Therefore, the ''filioque'' cannot be attacked as a solely Western innovation, nor as something created by the PopeIt is less-preferred because it lends itself to confusion with [[Sabellianism]].

In the West, St==== What God Is: ==== References God's eternal/unchangeable characteristics (ex. divinity/trinity/immortality/life/love…). This is what "theology" studies. [[Augustine of Hippo]] taught that the Spirit came * '''nature'''* '''essence'''* '''substance''' - (from the Father preferred Latin term)* '''homoousion'''and- ('' the Son, though subordinate to neitherlit. His theology was dominant in the West until the Middle Ages, including his theology of the Trinity. Other Latin fathers also spoke of the Spirit proceeding '' same + essence/being; from both the Father and the Son. While familiar in the West, this way of speaking was virtually unknown in the Greek''ὁμοούσιος'' [ὁμός + οὐσία + -speaking, Eastern Roman Empire.ῐος])

Although ==== What God Does: ==== References temporal characteristics (As the [[Second Ecumenical Council]] in 381 had expanded and completed the [[Nicene Creed]] begun at the [[First Ecumenical Council]] , the [[Third Ecumenical Council]]acts exist within time, they are variable; ex. create/reveal/save…)* '''activities'''* '''energies'''* '''attributes'''* '''economy''' - (at Ephesus in 431) had forbidden any further changes to it, except for by another from Greek οἰκονομία [[Ecumenical Council]oikonomia]; ''lit. By this time, then, the text of the [[Nicene Creed]] had acquired a certain definitive authority, of ecumenical value and importance.'' household + management/activities; presumably referencing what God does to "manage His household")

After generations The confusion/non-recognition of social upheaval, strong leadership appeared the above concepts in Western (i.e. Roman Catholic and Protestant) theology is integral to the different theologies which developed in "the person of Pepin West"<ref>"The West" is an over-simplification referencing how the Short, king of Western Roman Empire fell to the FranksBarbarians, and his sonconsequently developed various heterodox beliefs. This, [[Charlemagne]]however, crowned as emperor obfuscates the fact that some "Westerners" in 800fallen Rome (and Celtic territories) maintained Orthodox beliefs for a long time. Charlemagne intended to restore the Roman Empire In other words, not all Christians in and around fallen Western Rome accepted heterodox beliefs. Hence the WestAntiochian Archdiocese, with himself in chargeparticular, to has within its jurisdiction a canonical Western Rite. </ref> and which underly the chagrin of the leaders of the Eastern Roman Empire''filioque''.

Some historians have suggested that the Franks in the [[Ninth century]] pressured the Pope to adopt == History =====Early use of the ''filioqueFilioque'' in order ===It is useful to drive note that a wedge between regional council in Persia in 410 introduced one of the Roman Church and the other patriarchates. It is true that earliest forms of the ''filioque'' had come into wide use in the West and was widely thought to be an integral part of the Creed. Similarly, unleavened bread had come to be thought of as normative for the [[Eucharist]]; diocesan priests were expected to be unmarried. In such cases, in the West, ancient tradition was forgotten. Contemporary usage was thought to be normative and authentic. In these matters of discipline, council specified that the influence of Spirit proceeds from the Franks is certain. They intended to exalt Charlemagne, as the new Roman Emperor. The Catholic religion, as they knew it, was to be part of Father "and from the packageSon. " Meanwhile, Coming from c. 726 to 843, the Eastern Roman Empire, under the thumb rich theology of successive emperors, was dominated by the heresy of [[iconoclasm]]. Both Franks and Greeksearly East Syrian Christianity, this expression in their own way, departed from ancient traditionthis context is authentically Eastern. Unlike Therefore, the East''filioque'' cannot be attacked as a solely Western innovation, however, where iconoclasm was repudiated at the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council]] and the use of icons later confirmed nor as something created by the [[Empress Theodora]], the West to date never recovered from its departurePope.

Within a couple of generations, in 858, a new situation came to pass. The Eastern Emperor Michael III removed Ignatius I as Patriarch of Constantinople. The emperor replaced him with a laymanIn the West, St. [[Photius the GreatAugustine of Hippo]], who was taught that the Spirit came from the first Imperial Secretary Father ''and Imperial Ambassador '' the Son, though subordinate to Baghdadneither. HoweverHis theology was dominant in the West until the Middle Ages, Ignatius refused to abdicate. Michael and Photius asked including his [[Pope Nicholas ITriadology|theology of the Trinity]] . Other Latin fathers also spoke of Rome to settle the matterSpirit proceeding from both the Father and the Son. His legates While familiar in the West, exceeding their authoritythis way of speaking was virtually unknown in the Greek-speaking, probably under pressure from Byzantine leadership, took part in a synod in 861 that deposed IgnatiusEastern Roman Empire.

In opposition to this removal of IgnatiusAlthough the [[Second Ecumenical Council]] in 381 had expanded and completed the [[Nicene Creed]] begun at the [[First Ecumenical Council]], the Bishop of Rome supported Ignatius as legitimate Patriarch. Moreover[[Third Ecumenical Council]] (Ephesus, contrary 431) had forbidden any further changes to existing canonsit, Photius had been ordained to the office of bishop very quicklyexcept for by another [[Ecumenical Council]]. (Some scholarship suggests that violation of these church laws was the main reason By this time, then, the Bishop text of Rome rejected the appointment [[Nicene Creed]] had acquired a certain definitive authority, of Photiusecumenical value and importance.)

ThereforeRome received the [[Fourth Ecumenical Council]], which referred to preceding councils, after citing the arrival authority of an embassy from Ignatius, in 862, Nicholas said that Photius was deposed, as well as the bishop who ordained him and all text of the clergy Photius had appointedCreed. As would be expected However, at this did not go over well time, central Italy was in Constantinoplea state of collapse. In 867410 and 455, Photius rejected the Pope's assertion Rome was vandalized and objected to Latin missionaries in Bulgariasacked by barbarian invasions. Photius' response cited In 476, the ''filioque'' as proof that Rome had a habit Western Roman Empire fell, with the exile of overstepping its proper limitsRomulus Augustulus, the last emperor. Chaos followed.

In 867 and 869-70The ''filioque'' was first used in Toledo, synods Spain in Rome and Constantinople (587 without the consultation or agreement of the [[Robber Council Pentarchy|five patriarchs]] of 869-870the [[Church]]) restored Ignatius to his position as Patriarch at that time and deposed Photius. In 877, after the death in direct violation of Ignatius, Photius again resumed office, by order [[canons]] of the emperor. In 879[[Third Ecumenical Council]]-880, he was officially restored to his see and that prohibited unilateral alteration of the ''filioque'' effectively condemned Creed by the anything short of another [[Eighth Ecumenical Council]]. He resigned The purpose of its addition in 886 when Leo VI took over as emperor. Photius spent Spain was to counter a [[heresy]] that was local to that region, probably some form of [[Arianism]] brought there by the rest of his life as a monk in exile in Armenia; he is revered Goths (who had been missionized by the Orthodox today as a Arian bishop [[saintWulfila]]). He The practice spread then to France where it was repudiated at the first important theologian to accuse Rome of innovation Gentilly Council in the matter of the ''filioque''767.

In After generations of social upheaval, strong leadership appeared in the person of Pepin the Short, king of the ninth centuryFranks, and his son, [[Pope Leo IIICharlemagne]] , crowned as emperor in 800. agreed with Charlemagne intended to restore the ''filioque'' phrase theologically but was opposed to adopting it Roman Empire in Romethe West, with himself in part because charge, to the chagrin of his loyalty to the received [[tradition]]. (He also knew that leaders of the Eastern Roman Empire, whom he referred to as "Greeks resented " (and thus not Romans), despite the new Roman Empire capital being in the West East and the continued use by Easterners of ''Roman'' to describe themselves. Charlemagne called for a council at Aix-la-Chapelle in particular; the 809 at which Pope wanted to preserve Church unity.) In fact, [[Leo III of Rome|Leo III had ]] forbade the traditional text use of the Creed, without the ''filioque'', displayed publicly. He had clause and ordered that the original text version of the [[Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]] be engraved on two silver tablets, displayed at the tomb of St. Peter. In any case, during the time of Pope Leo's leadership, 795-816, there was no Creed at all Basilica in Rome so that his conclusion would not be overturned in the Roman Massfuture.

Later, Some historians have suggested that the Franks in 1014, the German Emperor Henry II, of 9th century pressured the Pope to adopt the ''filioque'' in order to drive a wedge between the Holy Roman Empire visited Rome for his coronation Church and found the other patriarchates. It is true that the Creed ''filioque'' had come into wide use in the West and was not used during widely thought to be an integral part of the MassCreed, while Rome, renowned for its stability in Orthodoxy, resisted. At his requestSimilarly, the Bishop unleavened bread had come to be thought of Rome added as normative for the Creed[[Eucharist]]; diocesan priests were expected to be unmarried. In such cases, as it was known in the West with the ''filioque'', after the Gospelancient tradition was forgotten. At this time, the papacy Contemporary usage was very weak thought to be normative and very much under authentic. In these matters of discipline, the influence of the GermansFranks is certain. For They intended to exalt Charlemagne, as the sake new Roman Emperor. The Catholic religion, as they knew it, was to be part of survivalthe package. Meanwhile, from ca. 726 to 843, the Pope needed Eastern Roman Empire, under the military support thumb of successive emperors, was dominated by the Emperorheresy of [[iconoclasm]]. Both Franks and Greeks, in their own way, departed from ancient tradition. This Unlike the East, however, where iconoclasm was repudiated at the first time [[Seventh Ecumenical Council]] and the phrase was used in use of icons later confirmed by the [[Theodora (9th century empress)|Empress Theodora]], the Mass at RomeWest to date never recovered from its departure.

Thus===The "Photian" Schism===Within a couple of generations, in 858, over a 600 year periodnew situation came to pass. The Eastern Emperor Michael III removed [[Ignatius of Constantinople|Ignatius I]] as patriarch of Constantinople. The emperor replaced him with a layman, dispute St. [[Photius the Great]], who was the first Imperial Secretary and Imperial Ambassador to Baghdad. However, Ignatius refused to abdicate. Michael and Photius invited Pope [[Nicholas I of Rome]] to send legates to preside over a synod in Constantinople to settle the ''filioque'' had not divided matter. With the council, the Church definitively; for legates confirmed the most partpatriarchate of Photius, in spite of cultural and linguistic conflictsmuch to Nicholas's chagrin, the Eastern and Western Churches remained in full communionwho then declared that they had "exceeded their authority."

In [[1054]], howeverTherefore, after the argument contributed to the [[Great Schism]] arrival of the East and West. There were many issues involvedan embassy from Ignatius, in large part based on misunderstandings between Greek and Latin traditions862, Nicholas said that Photius was deposed, as well as the irascible temperament of bishop who ordained him and all the antagonistsclergy Photius had appointed. These were [[Cardinal Humbert]] The sheer temerity of this action did not even generate a response from Rome and Patriarch [[Michael Cerularius]] of Constantinople. In addition to the actual difference in wording and doctrine However, several years later in 867, Photius finally rejected the Pope''filioque''s assertion, a related issue was particularly because of the right activities of the [[Pope]] to make a change Latin missionaries in the [[Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]]Bulgaria, who were, on his ownas St. Photius says, apart turning the Orthodox Christians there away from an their pure Orthodox faith and leading them into [[Ecumenical Councilheresy]]&mdash;most notably, the ''filioque''. Photius' response cited the ''filioque'' as proof that Rome had a habit of overstepping its proper limits.

One must acknowlegeIn 867 and 869-70, synods in Rome and Constantinople (the [[Robber Council of 869-870]]) restored Ignatius to his position as patriarch and deposed Photius. In 877, after the death of Ignatius, howeverPhotius again resumed office, that by order of the emperor and by the request of Ignatius himself, to whom Photius had been reconciled. In 879-880, he was officially restored to his see and the ''filioque'' was introduced in effectively condemned by the [[Eighth Ecumenical Council]], a council at which papal legates participated and which the West first current pope, [[John VIII of all in SpainRome|John VIII]], then eventually confirmed. He was deposed in Gaul, not in Rome886 when Leo VI took over as emperor, who had had a dispute with his father and not by the Popeturned his animosity for his father toward one of his father's initiativefriends, Photius. Centuries later, Photius spent the phrase became something to argue aboutrest of his life as a monk in exile in Armenia; for he is revered by the Orthodox today as a long time[[saint]], as mentioned, it one of the great [[Pillars of Orthodoxy]]. He was the first important [[theologian]] to accuse Rome of [[heresy]] in no way justification for breaking communionthe matter of the ''filioque''.

By the same token, it is not accurate ===Rome capitulates to say, as some historians do, that the "Catholic Church" introduced Filioquist pressure===In the ''filioque'' into the Mass. Eastern Churchesninth century, for example, the Pope [[Maronite Catholic Church|MaronitesLeo III of Rome]], fully part of the Roman Catholic Church, never used agreed with the ''filioque''. Moreover, the phrase theologically but was opposed to adopting it in wide use Rome, in part because of his loyalty to the West, following received [[tradition]]. (He also knew that the language of many Latin fathers, outside Greeks resented the Mass, especially new Roman Empire in Spain the West and GaulCharlemagne in particular; the Pope wanted to preserve Church unity. ) InsteadIn fact, it is more accurate to speak Leo had the traditional text of the Creed, without the ''filioque'' as a Latin expression or as an expression found in , displayed publicly, having the original text engraved on two silver tablets, at the Latin Churchtomb of St. In the first millennium, as [[John S. RomanidesApostle Peter|Peter]] points out. In any case, during the "Catholic Church" is time of Pope Leo's leadership, 795-816, there was no Creed at all in the "Roman Church" of both East and WestMass.

For many years after Later, in 1014, the condemnations German Emperor Henry II of [[1054]], many Orthodox the Holy Roman Empire visited Rome for his coronation and Catholics did found that the Creed was not think used during the Mass. At his request, the bishop of themselves Rome added the Creed, as being it was known in [[schism]]; neither Churchthe West with the ''filioque'', after the Gospel. At this time, in factthe papacy was very weak and very much under the influence of the Germans. For the sake of survival, had excommunicated the otherPope needed the military support of the Emperor. Many Slavic Christians saw This was the whole episode as a dispute among individualsfirst time the phrase was used in the [[Mass]] at Rome.

In 1054, however, the argument contributed to the [[Great Schism]] of the thirteenth centuryEast and West, Thomas Aquinas was one and the West went so far as to accuse the East of heresy for not including the ''filioque'' in the dominant Scholastic theologiansCreed. He dealt explicitly with There were many other issues involved, in large part based on misunderstandings between Greek and Latin traditions, as well as the processions irascible temperament of the divine Persons antagonists. These were Cardinal [[Humbert of Silva Candida|Humbert]] from Rome and Patriarch [[Michael I Cerularius of Constantinople|Michael Cerularius]] of Constantinople. In addition to the actual difference in wording and doctrine in his the ''Summa Theologicafilioque''. While , a related issue was the theology right of Aquinas and other Scholastics was dominant the Pope to make a change in the Western Middle Ages[[Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]] on his own, for all its apparent clarity and brilliance, it remains theology, not apart from an [[Roman Catholic ChurchEcumenical Council]] teaching.

===Attempted reunions and the ''Filioque'' after the Schism===In 1274the thirteenth century, the Second Council Thomas Aquinas was one of Lyons said that the [[Holy Spirit]] proceeds from dominant Scholastic theologians. He dealt explicitly with the [[Father]] and processions of the [[Son]], divine Persons in accord with the his ''filioqueSumma Theologica'' in . While the contemporary Latin version theology of Aquinas and other Scholastics was dominant in the [[Nicene Creed]]. Reconciliation with the EastWestern Middle Ages, through this councilfor all its apparent clarity and brilliance, did not last. Remembering the Crusaders' sack of Constantinople in 1204it remains theology, Byzantine Christians did not want to be reconciled with the West. In 1283, Patriarch official [[John BeccusRoman Catholic Church]], who supported reconciliation with the Latin Church, was forced to abdicate; reunion failedteaching.

These In 1274, the Second [[Councils of Lyons|Council of Lyons]] said that the [[Holy Spirit]] proceeds from the [[God the Father|Father]] and the [[Christ|Son]], in accord with the ''filioque'' in the contemporary Latin version of the [[Nicene Creed]]. Reconciliation with the East, through this council, did not last. Remembering the Crusaders' sack of Constantinople in 1204, Orthodox Christians did not want to be reconciled with the West in terms of capitulation to Latin [[Triadology]] and [[ecclesiology]]. In 1283, Patriarch [[John XI Bekkos of Constantinople|John Beccus]], who supported reconciliation with the Latin Church, was forced to abdicate; reunion failed. The Crusaders in question were the Venetians of the [[Fourth Crusade]], who had earlier been excommunicated for attacking other Christians. In 1204, they were getting even for a slaughter of Venetian merchants, in rioting, that took place in 1182. Pope Innocent III had sent them a letter, asking them not to attack Constantinople; after hearing of the sack of the city, he lamented their action and disowned them. Nevertheless, the people of Constantinople had a deep hatred for the people they called the "Latins" or the "Franks," and of course the Western church's major "endowment" from the spoils carried away now still largely rests in the hands of the Vatican."

At the [[Council of Florence]], in the 15th century1439, Emperor [[John VIII Palaeologus]], Patriarch Joseph of Constantinople, and other bishops from the East travelled to northern Italy, in hope of reconciliation with the West, mainly in order to solicit military assistance to fend off the encroaching Turkish invaders. After extensive discussion, in Ferrara, then in Florence, they acknowledged that some Latin Fathers spoke of the procession of the Spirit differently from the Greek Fathers. Since the general consensus of the Fathers was held to be reliable, as a witness to common faith, the Western usage was held not to be a heresy and not a barrier to restoration of full communion. All but one of the Orthodox bishops present agreed and signed a decree of union between East and West, ''Laetentur Coeli'' in 1439. The one bishop who refused to sign and was later heralded as a Pillar of Orthodoxy by the Church was St. [[Mark of Ephesus]], who followed in the footsteps of the previous Pillar of Orthodoxy, St. [[Photius the Great]].

Officially and publicly, Rome and the Orthodox Church were back in communion. However, the reconciliation achieved at Florence was soon destroyed, founded as it was on a compromise of faith. Numerous Orthodox faithful and bishops rejected the union. Moreover, after the Turks [[Fall of Constantinople|conquered Constantinople in [[1453]], they fostered separation from the West, which remained an adversary to Islamic political and military dominance. Furthermore, the patriarch, Gennadius, was also one of the bishops who had repudiated the reunion of Florence on his own initiative.

Finally, the theology of rationalistic Western Scholasticism predominated among the Latin theologians and bishops and so obscured the biblical, patristic perspective long advocated by the East, in which the Spirit is said to proceed "from the Father" (as in the [[Gospel of John|John]]15:26) or, more oftenrarely, "from the Father ''through '' the Son" (as in some of the Fathers). Many of the The Eastern bishops had not imbibed the rationalist intellectualism of the West, and so were unconvinced by the highly abstract and convoluted arguments of the Scholastics. Hence, the agreement of Florence, intellectually, represented in many respects an imposition of Scholastic theology.

Undeniably, the ''filioque'' controversy was at least officially resolved, for both Orthodox and Catholic. However, because of the historical situation and because of the different ecclesiologies of the East and West (i.e., &mdash;in the East, the whole Church is seen as the guardian of faith, while for the West, the Magisterium maintains the faith), &mdash;this resolution was neither fully received nor permanently sustained.

==Recent discussions Though there had been a reunion [[Divine Liturgy|liturgy]] held in December of 1452 at [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|Hagia Sophia]] in Constantinople at which the Pope's name was commemorated and statements==the ''filioque'' used in the Creed, that had been largely boycotted by most of the clergy and laity in the city. On the evening of [[May 28]], 1453, however, another liturgy was held which also commemorated the Pope and used the ''filioque'', but which was not boycotted by the majority of the city. The next day, Constantinople fell to the Muslim invaders.

===Recent discussions and statements===Dialogue on this and other subjects is continuing. The ''filioque'' clause was the main subject discussed at the 62nd meeting of the [[North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation]], which met at the Hellenic College/[[Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston (Brookline, Massachusetts)]] from [[June 3 ]] through [[June 5]], 2002, for their spring session. As a result of these modern discussions, it has been suggested that the Orthodox could accept an "economic" ''filioque'' that states that the Holy Spirit, who originates in the Father alone, was sent to the Church "through the Son" (as the [[Holy Spirit|Paraclete]]), but this is not official Orthodox doctrine. It is what the Greeks Fathers call a ''[[theologoumenon]]'', a theological opinion. (Similarly, the late Edward Kilmartin, S.J., proposed as a ''theologoumenon'', a "mission" of the Holy Spirit to the Church.)

Recently, an important, agreed statement has been made by the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation, on [[October 25]], 2003. This document ''The Filioque: A Church-Dividing Issue?'', provides an extensive review of [[Scripture]], history, and [[theology]]. Especially critical are the recommendations of this consultation, for example:

#That Orthodox and Catholic theologians distinguish more clearly between the divinity and hypostatic identity of the Holy Spirit (which is a received [[dogma ]] of our Churches) and the manner of the Spirit's origin, which still awaits full and final ecumenical resolution.