We thank members for their feedback on the proposed Statement on Academic Freedom. We have listened to your concerns and have incorporated your suggestions. The working draft currently reads as follows.

The Orthodox Theological Society in America, organized in 1966 under the auspices and with the blessing of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, exists to:

• promote the study and development of Orthodox theology,
• coordinate the work of Orthodox theologians in North America, bringing Orthodox scholars from all jurisdictions together for dialogue and to promote the collaboration of the Orthodox churches in North America,
• cultivate scholarship, fellowship, spiritual life, and cooperation in honest, open, and collegial discourse among those engaged in advanced study, teaching, research, and writing in the range of theological subjects and related disciplines (e.g., religious studies, biblical studies, the arts, the sciences, history, law, philosophy, literary studies, and bioethics),
• serve as a resource for the Assembly of Bishops and the Church, and
• engage non-Orthodox theologians interested in Orthodox theology.

The pursuit of truth—central to both Orthodox theology and the life of the Church—requires an environment in which reasoned inquiry, careful listening, and the freedom to question are protected and encouraged. As Orthodox Christians, we affirm that all human beings are created in the image of God with the capacity for reason, dialogue, and moral discernment. These gifts must be nurtured and safeguarded within educational institutions.

Freedom of speech, religion, the press, and peaceable assembly are recognized in many legal frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 18 and 19), the Constitution of the United States, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. OTSA affirms that these freedoms are indispensable to the flourishing of Orthodox theological reflection and dialogue in all contexts—whether in North America or beyond.

Such freedoms must be upheld for all, regardless of political, social, or theological perspective. Any suppression of free speech—whether from the political left or right—diminishes human flourishing and impedes the search for truth. Academic freedom serves the common good when exercised with integrity, humility, and respect for the unchanging truths of the Orthodox faith, including the dogmas of the Holy Trinity and the Incarnation, as received and confessed by the Church.

Therefore, OTSA affirms that scholars must be free to explore questions, express conscience, present findings, and engage in dialogue and debate without fear of censorship, coercion, or retaliation—while also recognizing the boundaries set by the Orthodox Church’s received faith.The Orthodox Theological Society in America calls upon its members, all those engaged in theological education, the bishops of the Orthodox Churches, and all people of good will to stand together in defending and safeguarding these freedoms, so that the Orthodox Christian tradition may continue to offer a living, credible, and faithful witness in the academy and the world.