Evangelicals and Catholics have been meeting informally since 2008 to explore whether to enter into formal talks. Freeman said a consensus began to emerge from the preliminary gatherings that “resulted in rich personal relationships.” Members began to learn about the respective traditions and what they can offer each other and that “ongoing conversation needs to be rooted in ministry together, in co-operation, and not just dialogue.”

But Freeman admits not all Evangelicals will understand the reasons for a formal dialogue with Catholics.

“Some would have great concern about theological differences and others would question the ability of Catholics to be culturally relevant, something which Evangelicals have tried to address,” he said.

“However, there are many Evangelicals who appreciate the continuity they see in the Catholic Church and there is an increasing appreciation of historic expressions of spirituality reflected in Catholic worship.”

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada have participated together in interventions before various courts, and have also participated side by side in the public square on issues such as traditional marriage.

But O’Gara said the theological discussions will not be issue-driven but probe the theological foundations both share as well as explore where they disagree. It will explore questions such as “Who is Jesus Christ?” “What does it mean to believe in God?” and “How can the Christian faith be preached in Canada?”

Catholics and Evangelicals agree on the basics of the Christian faith: they share the same beliefs in Christ, in the Trinity, in the nature of God, in what it means to be human and that God created the world, she said. 

“Catholics and Evangelicals share a strong emphasis on the truth,” she said. “Both are interested in truth claims: the Christian teaching is true; it’s not just a nice way to live.”

The Catholic members of the official dialogue include co-chair Bohan, O’Gara, Sr. Susan Mosteller, CSJ, Fr. James Hutton, Brett Salkeld and CCCB ecclesial and interfaith relations senior advisor Jonas Abromaitis.

The EFC participants are Alan Anderson, Rev. Scott Doggart, Freeman, David Guretzki, Victor Shepherd and EFC vice-president of ministry services Aileen Van Ginkel.