Synopsis
The first of the two great fault lines created by the coronation of Charlemagne in 800 finally produced an earthquake in 1054. After the pope unilaterally added a clause to the Nicene Creed, longstanding theological, cultural, and political divisions came to a head and resulted in the first permanent break in the institutional unity of the church (even the mutual excommunication was not canceled until 1965). Although the Great Schism was tragic, we close with a reminder of Latourette's statement that Jesus' influence has advanced in waves--each major wave has set a new high-water mark and each major recession has been less pronounced than its predecessor.
Key Quotes
- "Emperors were almost popes in the East and popes were almost emperors in the West."
- "Theologically, the Filioque wasn’t really that big of a deal, but it’s kind of like when an unhappy married couple goes off on each other at Denny’s. Whatever they’re arguing about…is not what they’re really arguing about."
- "Through the action of the Holy Spirit these differences will be overcome through cleansing of hearts, through regret for historical wrongs, and through an efficacious determination to arrive at a common understanding and expression of the faith of the Apostles and its demands." (Joint Declaration of Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I)
- When were the seeds of the East/West split sown and how did the rift develop over time?
- If mutual excommunication had happened before, why was the one in 1054 the first to become permanent?
- What were the greatest achievements and failures of the church of the first millennium?
Click the link below to read the joint declaration of Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I at their reconciliation ceremony in Jerusalem on December 7, 1965.
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