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Rome welcomes New Director for Anglican Centre

Posted On : 20, 2008 3:52 PM | Posted By : Admin ACO
Related Categories: ACO  Europe

ACNS: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2008/5/20/ACNS4407

The Very Revd David Richardson's installation takes place in historic
Rome church

> ACNS, Rome

In the splendour of the Church of Santa Maria Sopa Minerva, Rome, the
Very Revd David Richardson, former Dean of Melbourne, (Australia) was
installed and blessed as the new Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome
(ACR) on 7May 2008. He also will serve as the Archbishop of Canterbury's
personal representative to the Holy See (The Vatican and the Pope). The
use of this church, where the sacred remains of St Catherine of Siena
rest, is the titular church of Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor of
Westminster, and was offered to the Anglicans for this special service.

Cardinal Walter Kaspar, head of the Pontifical Council for Church Unity,
was participated in the liturgy and gave a warm welcome to the new
director. He was accompanied by the Revd Canon Monsignor Donald Bolen.
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams gave the homily and the lesson
was read by Mrs Fung Yi Wong, a member of the ACR Board representing the
Anglican Consultative Council (ACC).

In his homily, Archbishop Rowan told the 300 string congregation, that
the work of the church must be accomplished with "a deep awareness of
the spirit and the cross, not just warm feelings" as well as warning
about what some see as "fearful exclusion". In his words to Father
Richardson he said that one must show "Christ like love at work at the
disposal of each other, trying to discover how God's gifts can be put
into the service of others". The archbishop encouraged the new director
to "interpret and share what you learn here to the wider Anglican
Communion". Speaking of Blessed Julian of Norwich, Archbishop Williams
recalled her words, "Love was his meaning" and reminded the congregation
to "surrender to the crucified" and to do all we do in "a spirit of
generosity".

In his charge to Father Richardson, Archbishop Williams said, "to serve
the cause of Christian unity is to serve the mission and ministry of the
whole church. It is a privilege and a joy, and in our unhappy divisions
it is an urgent responsibility."

Leading the installation was the Rt Revd Stephen Platten, Bishop of
Wakefield, Chairman of the Board of Governors. The Rt Revd Pierre
Whalon, Bishop of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe was
present, as was the Rt Revd Edward Holland and Mary Reath and a
delegation from the American Friends of the ACR.

Bishop Platten spoke of the "notable predecessors" at the ACR and the
"task of bringing the living traditions and witness of Anglicans to the
service of all churches, especially here in the see city of the Bishop
of Rome".

Also present were representatives from the St Egidio Community, the
Focalare Movement and members of the Friends of the ACR. A reception was
held in the main gallery of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilli, a major art
gallery, where the physical ACR is located thanks to the generous
cooperation of family.

The outstanding choir and servers came from the two Anglican
congregations, All Saints Church and St Paul's Within the Walls. Both
congregations have high profiles in the wider Rome community especially
in the areas of mission to immigrants and support of young musicians and
artists.

Archbishop Williams and Cardinal Kaspar shared in giving the final
blessing at the service. The new director and his wife, Margaret, have
already begun to receive pilgrims, students and guests.

Earlier in that week Archbishop Williams had a meeting with His Holiness
Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. The Building Bridges initiative had
their meeting the same week and on Friday, Archbishop Williams met with
Cardinal Dias, who is coming to the Lambeth Conference as a key-note
speaker, and other officials of the Roman Catholic Church.

> Ends

For photographs please visit:

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2008/5/20/ACNS4407

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