Religion: Appointment in Venice

Vatican Radio last week confirmed what Protestants have suspected ever since Catholic observers held “informal” discussions with Eastern Orthodox delegates at the World Council of Churches meeting in Rhodes last month (TIME, Aug. 31 et seq.). There will be an unofficial conference in Venice next year between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theologians to discuss points of agreement and disagreement between the two churches. The main—and massive—stumbling block to possible union: recognition of the Pope as head of the church.