A price too high to pay

“We are all brothers and sisters with one heavenly Father and on this beautiful planet, which we are all responsible for, there is room for everyone…”

This quote was posted on an Orthodox blog that I visit, and there followed a string of comments, in the main critical of Patriarch Bartholomaios of Constantinople. Following is my comment on the issue.
Take a look at the original blog post and string of comments here.

Although I am a Greek Orthodox, I am not sympathetic to the current Patriarch, but I also do not expect much from a man of the world such as he is. Yet, reading his address in its entirety, the quote under consideration, when put back in context, does not offend my Christian sensibilities.

Theologically it is incorrect, as was pointed out. In the context of human cooperation, and especially of hospitality, it is non-offensive. We can call people "brothers" even before they are saved because we have a hope for their salvation, yet we do not permit them the communion cup. There should never be, in our social exchanges with non-Christians, even a trace of triumphalism or "spiritual imperialism," neither of which are part of the commission of Christ "to make disciples of all nations." The patriarch's purpose in addressing the assembly was not to evangelize them, but to say that he would continue to offer to them the hand of friendship in (I would assume) whatever ways are not contrary to Christ, whose ambassador he is.

Ecumenical dialog with leaders of various non-Christian religions is, in my opinion, a waste of time and a temptation to dissimulation for the sake of some level of "unity" which is at best practical but not authentic. The patriarch has done enough damage by his published writings and various meetings in this regard to make many Orthodox Christians uncomfortable with his leadership, especially when he arrogates to himself such prerogatives as might an Eastern "pope."

We have no pope, and will not, and the patriarch of Constantinople can speak to the world for us only if he speaks truthfully. I have yet to see this patriarch go forth "to make disciples of all nations," as he could if he dared.

But that would mean martyrdom,
and for this patriarch, it's a price too high to pay.