The Disputatio of the Latins and the Greeks, 1234

The book explores a significant 1234 meeting between Latin and Greek friars, aiming for church union amid rising tensions after the Fourth Crusade.

In 1234, four mendicant friars arrived in the Byzantine city of Nicaea to engage in discussions about a potential union between the Greek and Roman Churches. This meeting was significant, as it represented one of the largest collections of material documenting the dialogue between the churches during the thirteenth century. The backdrop of this encounter was the Fourth Crusade, which had resulted in the Latin control of Constantinople in 1204, intensifying the urgency of resolving doctrinal and practical differences between the two factions.

The report generated by these friars, presented in translation for the first time, sheds light on the motivations and implications surrounding the possibility of church union in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade. The letters exchanged between Pope Gregory IX and Patriarch Germanos II reveal a notable optimism as both sides entered negotiations. This exchange highlights the complexities of their discussions, illustrating the hopes and challenges faced in the pursuit of unity.

The Disputatio of the Latins and the Greeks, 1234 offers a comprehensive view of this pivotal moment in church history. The translation and analysis of these documents challenge the long-held belief that efforts to reconcile the churches were inevitably destined to fail. By bringing these sources together, the book provides a fresh perspective on the historical context and the aspirations for unity that characterized this era.