wfn.org | ACNS3700 Concerning the future work of the Anglican Roman

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3700     |     ACO     |	  2 DECEMBER 2003 

Concerning the future work of the Anglican Roman Catholic Dialogue

On Tuesday 25 November 2003, Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the
Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, met with the
Reverend Canon John L. Peterson, Secretary General of the Anglican
Consultative Council, at the offices of the Pontifical Council. At the
meeting the future of Anglican Roman Catholic dialogue was discussed,
especially in the light of recent developments within the life of the
Anglican Communion. 

As a result of the conversation, it was decided that the next plenary
session of the International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for
Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) and its work towards the publication and
reception of a Common Statement of Faith would have to be put on hold in
the light of ecclesiological concerns raised as a consequence of these
events. At the same time, the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic
Church remain committed to continuing their dialogue, and agree that the
work of the sub-committees of the Commission would proceed.

Canon Peterson attended meetings of the Anglican Centre in Rome over the
same time period.

In a separate development, Cardinal Kasper has welcomed the request of
His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, that an appropriate means be
found to reflect jointly upon the ecclesiological issues raised by
recent developments within the Anglican Communion in the light of the
relevant Agreed Statements of the Anglican Roman Catholic International
Commission (ARCIC). An ad hoc sub-commission of IARCCUM will soon be
established to undertake this task.

The Cardinal and Secretary General agreed that the current work of ARCIC
should proceed until the completion of the current phase in 2004, after
which attention will be given to planning the future agenda and next
phase of the theological dialogue. ARCIC, which began its work in 1970,
is the main instrument of theological dialogue between the Anglican
Communion and the Roman Catholic Church, whereas IARCCUM, which was
established in 2001, is an episcopally led body aimed at fostering
practical initiatives that would give expression to the degree of faith
shared by Anglicans and Catholics. The two commissions are intended to
complement and run alongside each other.

___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is
distributed to more than 7,500 journalists and other readers around
the world.  For subscription information please go to:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html