The Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA)
A second attempt (the first in the Syrian jurisdiction followed the Soviet campaign against the Russian Church which had missionized and formed the first Orthodox hierarchy in America) to form an inter-ethnic organ for consultation and cooperation was made as a result of problems connected with World War II in 1942 and was the so-called Federated Primary Orthodox Jurisdictions.
The Federation early became moribund and as a result of the initiative of Metropolitan Anthony Bashir (Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese), a new effort resulted in the formation of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America in 1960 consisting of the primates of the American Orthodox communities canonically dependent on Sees in the world Orthodox Church. The Standing Conference normally meets twice yearly and at present bridges these gatherings with the work of a Study and Planning Commission. One national conference of the entire American episcopate has been held, plans for a Washington office are under discussion, and the budget now provides for two secretaries.
