Declaration of the Joint Committee for the Theological Dialogue of the Sacramental Life

Abstract

The Declaration of the Joint Committee for the Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East presents the subject of the Sacramental Life in a specific order because the two Churches distinguish and enumerate the sacraments in different ways. The present document adopts a classification that applies to both traditions. All the liturgical rites, considered as sacramental celebrations in the two traditions or only in one of them, are classified in five sections: 1- The Holy Orders and the Sign of the Cross. 2- The Holy Baptism and the Chrismation. 3- The Holy Qurban or the Holy Eucharist, the Holy Leaven and the Consecration of the Altar. 4- The Christian Life (Christian Marriage and Religious Life). 5- Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick and Funerals. The main purpose of this classification is to clarify that these two sacramental traditions are one in their diversity. Although they have adopted different forms and rituals, they both intend to celebrate the same and unique mystery of salvation. [...]