 The is part of the Communion of Western Orthodox Churches, and its primate is Bishop Gregory (Mendez), the Bishop of Arles and the abbot of the Monastery of St Michael and St Martin near Luzé in the Touraine region of France.The maintains traditional Orthodox beliefs and practice and affirms the doctrinal teachings of the seven great councils.While affirming the theological statements of the latter four councils, the rejects the application to the Oriental Orthodox Churches of those councils' condemnations of monophysitism.