Hidden from the eyes of the media, Pope Benedict XVI and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople meet in the Vatican earlier this week. Rather than a choreographed event, the two leaders sat across from each other at a table and then went to a chapel to pray. This meeting is one of several signs that are evidence of the ongoing efforts of both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church to seek futher collaboration. We are nowhere near the point of bringing up the "u" word. However, it appears that unity is the ultimate goal, even though it may not be realized for several generations.
As one reads reports of ongoing wars, potential wars, murders in rabbinical schools, etc., it is refreshing to hear that two incredibly influential organizations are taking "baby steps" towards collaboration after being at each others' throats for nearly 1000 years.
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