Committee for Pastoral Practice

Description

The Committee for Pastoral Practice is responsible for i) identifying the differences and inconsistencies among the various jurisdictions in their exercise of sacramental and pastoral praxis (e.g., marriage and divorce, reception of converts, etc.); and ii) for establishing a protocol to address these inconsistencies and propose models for resolution consistent with canonical practice.

Membership

Abp. Joseph (AOCA) - Chairman
Bp. Theodosy (ROCOR)
Bp. Mark (OCA)
Bp. Sevastianos (GOA)

Committee Liaison

Hieromonk Irenei (Steenberg)

Consultants

1. Fr. Ian Pac-Urar - Facilitator
2. Fr. Timothy Baclig - Secretary
3. Fr. Ion Gherman
4. Dr. Stephen Muse

Terms of Reference

What is to be accomplished

Identify the sacramental and pastoral practices (e.g., marriage and divorce, reception of converts, etc.) in current usage among all the jurisdictions represented in the Assembly
Catalogue the differences and inconsistencies that exist and determine whether such differences are local (parish or diocese only) or the policy of the jurisdiction
Establish a matrix of practices that allows for a clear comparison and a protocol to address inconsistencies
Propose models for resolution that are consistent with canonical practice

How it is to be accomplished

Identify the fields of pastoral practice to be surveyed
Request the official procedures for each of these practices from each jurisdiction
Survey each jurisdiction/presence in the Assembly as to the variations that may or may not exist in regard to official policy
Collect anecdotal information on the variations
Determine and evaluate theological and ecclesiological ramifications for the variances
Strategize on possible models for resolution

With whom it is to be accomplished