HISTORIC ANGLICAN-CATHOLIC CONSULTATION SET FOR MAY

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2000 (VIS) - A joint communique published today by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and by the Anglican Communion Office announced that there will be an historic consultation of Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops from 13 regions around the world in Toronto, Canada, from May 14 to 20.

They will gather "to review and evaluate the accomplishment of 30 years of ecumenical dialogue between the two traditions and to reflect on how the special relationship between them has been developing in different parts of the world."

Following are excerpts from the communique:

"This high level meeting is happening at a time when Anglicans and Roman Catholics around the world are exploring the possibilities for further steps towards visible unity.

"The meeting grows out of a visit by the Most Reverend and Rt. Hon. George L. Carey, archbishop of Canterbury, to Pope John Paul II in December 1996, where, in a Common Declaration, they stated: 'It may be opportune at this stage in our journey to consult further about how the relationship between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church is to progress.'

"The bishops will gather in private session at the Queen of Apostles Renewal Center near Toronto, Canada, under the joint chairmanship of Archbishop Carey and Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity."

"At 6 p.m. on Wednesday May 17, the bishops will join together in public prayer at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Toronto, presided by Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic and Bishop Terence Finlay. The archbishop of Canterbury will be the preacher. This service is open to all.

"Other components of the meeting will be the sharing of experiences and reflection on the theological dialogue between Anglicans and Roman Catholics. ARCIC, the chief instrument of official dialogue, was set up after the historic meeting in 1966 of Archbishop Michael Ramsey of Canterbury and Pope Paul VI. The international theological work has also fostered significant ecumenical cooperation on the national and local levels of Church life. The commission has produced a series of significant agreed statements, the latest being the "Gift of Authority."

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