Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 12/30/2004

Question
I understand that Roman Catholics profess belief that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.  Eastern Orthodox believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father only.  I have heard/read somewhere that the Holy Father has allowed some Eastern Catholics to omit the words "proceeds from the Father and the Son" from the creed in favor of the Eastern profession: "proceeds from the Father."  How can all this be reconciled?

Also, I understand that Catholics and Orthodox have somewhat differing views of ecclesiology?  What are the differences in this regard?

Are there any other doctrinal differences that I'm not aware of?

Thank you very much!

Answer
                      Peace

Dear Louis Tourtellotte,
 
1. from the Father and the Son?
Catholics see: the issue as a matter of theology not doctrine. Creeds are meant as summaries of truth, not a complete picture.(Most) Orthodox see it more as matter of doctrine. Eastern Catholic have for centuries, have said it the same way the most Orthodox Churches do.

 2.ecclesiology
The main difference is the role of the successor of st peter and the collective of the apostles. I recommend the book: "Jesus, Peter and the Keys".  It has three authors that use Sacred Scriptures, the works of Church Fathers and other historical writers about Apostolic succession.


most of the doctrinal difference are not that but really theological difference also political/cultural differences.

    your servant in Christ
            george