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12. It is clear that in the theological dialogues the common goal of all is the
ultimate restoration of unity in true faith and love. The existing theological and
ecclesiological differences permit, however, a certain hierarchical ordering of
the challenges lying in the way of meeting this pan-Orthodox objective. The
distinctive problems of each bilateral dialogue require a differentiation in the
methodology followed in it, but not a differentiation in the aim, since the aim
is one in all the dialogues.
13. Nevertheless, it is essential if necessary for an attempt to be made to
coordinate the work of the various Inter-Orthodox Theological Committees,
bearing in mind that the existing unity of the Orthodox Church must also be
revealed and manifested in this area of these dialogues.
14. The conclusion of any official theological dialogue occurs with the
completion of the work of the relevant Joint Theological Commission. The
Chairman of the Inter-Orthodox Commission then submits a report to the
Ecumenical Patriarch, who, with the consent of the Primates of the local
Orthodox Churches, declares the conclusion of the dialogue. No dialogue is
considered complete before it is proclaimed through such a pan-Orthodox
decision.
15. Upon the successful conclusion of the work of any theological dialogue, the
pan-Orthodox decision about the restoration of ecclesiastical communion
must, however, rest on the unanimity of all the local Orthodox Churches.

16. One of the principal bodies in the history of the Ecumenical Movement is
the World Council of Churches (WCC). Certain Orthodox Churches were
among the Council’s founding members and later, all the local Orthodox
Churches became members. The WCC is a structured inter-Christian body,
despite the fact that it does not include all non-Orthodox Christian Churches
and Confessions. At the same time, there are other inter-Christian
organizations and regional bodies, such as the Conference of European
Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches and the African Council of
Churches. These, along with the WCC, fulfill an important mission by
promoting the unity of the Christian world. The Orthodox Churches of
Georgia and Bulgaria withdrew from the WCC, the former in 1997, and the
latter in 1998. They have their own particular opinion on the work of the
World Council of Churches and hence do not participate in its activities and
those of other inter-Christian organizations.

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