wfn.org | Roman Catholic and Anglican Bishops Call for New Unity Steps

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ACNS 2136 - CANADA - 22 May 2000

Bishops call for new steps on the way to unity

Press Release

Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops came away from an international meeting
at Mississauga, Ontario, more resolved to do all in their power to build
upon the considerable agreement in faith they already share. Those present
came from 13 regions of the world and were convened by Cardinal Edward
Cassidy, President of the Vatican's Council for promoting Christian Unity,
and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey.

After a week involving prayer together, worship, and a review of some 35
years of ecumenical dialogue and cooperation, the bishops are convinced that
it is possible for Anglicans and Roman Catholics to mark a new stage in
their search for unity.

While very aware of the well-known difficult problems that have to be faced
before full unity is achieved, the bishops experienced and reviewed a degree
of common faith during their time together, such that they believe greater
cooperation and mission is possible than at present. They called for a Joint
Commission to oversee the next steps and how relationships can develop
further in different places.

At the top of the Commission's agenda will be the preparation of a joint
affirmation of faith. This would formally express the degree of agreement
that already exists between Anglicans and Catholics. All at the Mississauga
meeting believed that this extensive common faith needs to be officially
acknowledged and celebrated, and that this should logically have
consequences for the life of the two churches.

Because at least two bishops came from each of 13 regions around the world,
the meeting had the chance to take a detailed look at the situation in a
variety of places. All emphasised how greater unity would strengthen the
mission of the Church of Christ. In their final hours together, each pair of
bishops discussed how they could return home to foster greater cooperation
and a fresh commitment to seeking unity. They will bring their ideas to
their fellow bishops.

At the end of the meeting the participants will release a statement entitled
Communion in Mission, which describes their experience together and
commitment to a significant step forward.

They expressed a particular vote of thanks to the Roman Catholic and
Anglican dioceses of Toronto and their bishops for all the help received in
the arrangement of the meeting; and to the director and staff of the Queen
of Apostles Centre for the very special welcome they had received.

Commenting on the week, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Carey said it had
been "a heartening and hopeful meeting which encourages us to press forward
towards the visible unity of the Church".

Cardinal Cassidy added: "If the experience we have had here could be more
widely shared our relationship would progress more rapidly".

One bishop commented: "We leave here with hearts filled with hope for
greater unity".

Mississauga, 19 May 2000
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FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Canon David HAMID
Anglican Communion Office, London
Tel.: +44 20 6201110

Monsignor Timothy GALLIGAN
Pontifical Council for Prompting Christian Unity
Tel.: +3906 6988 4552