The Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops (CCOB) delegated Bishop Ioan Casian, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada, to represent the body as an observer at the Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, held from 21 September to 25 September 2026.
Bishop Ioan Casian participated on Tuesday, 22 September, in the second day of the Plenary Assembly, where participants discussed ways Churches can respond to the challenges of the contemporary world through dialogue, mutual listening, responsibility, and cooperation.
Experiences presented from different parts of the Americas—South and Central America and Canada—highlighted the importance of synodality, dialogue, sharing each Church’s experience, and preserving the diversity of Christian traditions.
They also highlighted the need for an active and responsible presence of the Churches in society, including the teaching of the faith, bioethics, family and life, and inter-Christian and interreligious dialogue.
Particular emphasis was placed on relations between Christian communities and on developing forms of cooperation in areas of common interest.
Christians from diverse traditions
In the Canadian context, where Christian communities from diverse traditions and cultures coexist, ecumenical dialogue provides an important setting for closer relations, mutual understanding and Christian witness, representatives of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada said.
“Encounters between Christians are always an opportunity to grow closer and to know one another better. Each Church preserves its tradition and identity, while dialogue helps us discover what we can share and the areas in which we can cooperate for the good of people and society,” Bishop Ioan Casian explained.
“In a world marked by numerous challenges, Christian witness can be strengthened through respect, dialogue and shared responsibility.”
Bishop Ioan Casian’s presence at the CCCB Plenary Assembly helps strengthen relations between the Orthodox Churches that are members of the CCOB and the Roman Catholic Church in Canada, and fosters a climate of dialogue and cooperation between Christian communities.
