jats:pThe essay examines two exemplary attempts to ‘make peace’ between rivaling theological factions in the middle of the fourth century. The negotiations conducted in Alexandria in 362, of which the jats:italicTomus ad Antiochenos</jats:italic> provides a distillation, confirm the importance of exploring theological concepts and terminological preferences on all sides in order to find common ground. Conflicting loyalties ultimately fracture chances for an accord. The so-called second session of Rimini (359) – as presented by Jerome – reveals more clearly the crucial significance of establishing the legitimacy of any agreement in social and cultural as well as in intellectual terms. Former opponents present and perform the theological consensus achieved in a public display so that regained communion can be seen, heard and experienced. In the process the import of theological consent is amplified and transformed by ceremonial enactment into the celebratory demonstration of harmony and communality as well as a common mind.</jats:p>