New hopes for Anglican-Catholic relations
The Benedictine monastery of Sao Bento in Rio de Janeiro is hosting the third meeting of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission this week. Ten experts in ecumenical dialogue from each side are discussing relations between the two Churches in different parts of the globe, with a particular focus on the moral and ethical questions that challenge all faith communities.
The meeting, which concludes on Monday 6th, also features a tour of one of the poorer, rundown neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro where Anglicans and Catholics work closely together to provide basic services for local people.
Though this meeting is not expected to come up with any breakthrough reports, it is taking place in a climate of renewed hope following the inaugurations of a new Pope and a new Archbishop of Canterbury. Just before the Brazil meeting got underway, the Anglican co-chair of ARCIC III, Archbishop David Moxon, told Philippa Hitchen these recent developments signal the real chance of a new rapprochement for Anglican-Catholic relations…
Pope Benedict XVI and Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, leader of the Anglican Communion, sign a joint declaration at the Vatican Nov. 23, 2012. The statement noted the four decades of dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion while acknowledging current challenges to ecumenical progress. (CNS/Reuters)
Listen: 
Vatican Radio (May 3, 2013)
Source: news.va
