"We have concluded that when the principle of racial division (i.e. phyletism) is juxtaposed with the teaching of the Gospel and the constant practice of the Church, it is not only foreign to it, but also completely opposed, to it. We decree the following in the Holy Spirit: 1. We reject and condemn racial division, that is, racial differences, national quarrels and disagreements in the Church of Christ, as being contrary to the teaching of the Gospel and the holy canons of our blessed fathers, on which the holy Church is established and which adorn human society and lead it to Divine piety. 2. In accordance with the holy canons, we proclaim that those who accept such division according to races and who dare to base on it hitherto unheard-of racial assemblies are foreign to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and are real schismatics."
Constantinople...1872
I don't want to speak for the archbishop - but would tell you this: The "unity" that Abp Nathaniel believes in is of the Orthodox Churches in North America. Put more simply - locally elected bishops, sitting in synod - in the ancient Orthodox tradition.
We don't need Old World, Mother Churches etc. We need locally elected bishops (here) sitting in a common synod - and we need them to elect an American patriarch.
