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Calls to unite Anglicans and Catholics under Pope
Last updated at 11:22am on 19.02.07
Pope Benedict XVI
Plans to reunite Anglicans with Roman Catholics under the leadership of the Pope are to be published this year.
The proposal, is designed to encourage Christian unity. It has been discussed by senior bishops of both Churches and is being reviewed by the Vatican.
If agreed, it would see Anglicans reunited with the Roman Catholic Church just under five centuries after the Protestant split from Rome.
In a document titled Growing Together In Unity And Mission, the Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, set up in 2000 to try to bring both Churches together, outlines how they could unite and calls for a "full, ecclesial union".
Such a historic reunion is seen as highly unlikely, not least because of turmoil among Anglicans themselves over gay ordination.
Divisions have erupted on that issue as archbishops of the 38 provinces of the Anglican Communion meet in Tanzania, with primates at the conference sending a message of support to orthodox members of the US Episcopal Church who are opposed to its ordination of gay bishop Gene Robinson.
Seven of the conservative primates have refused to share communion with Episcopal Church leader Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
But the Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission claims that there is enough common ground between the two Churches to make a "call for action" to unite them.
It also outlines ways in which the two sides could be amalgamated.
These include Anglicans accepting the Pope as universal primate, inviting lay and ordained members of both denominations to attend each other's gatherings, and inviting Anglican bishops to accompany Catholic ones on visits to Rome.
It has also suggested that special protocols be drawn up to handle the movement of clergy from one Church to another and it lays out the common teachings for children at the Sunday schools of both churches.
Reader views (7)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
I agree with Aaron of Rome. We need to be unified as Christians as it is a scandal we have been so divided among ourselves all of this time. Remember what the Lord said to paraphrase "be as one even as the Father and I are one". I recall small letter c in holy "catholic", apostolic church from the Creed, means "universal" and as such we should be united together then as Anglicans and Catholics since we both pray for this universal church. Let us agree to unite and let God do the rest. It seems by some to be impossible for unity to occur looking at it from a human point of view, but I know personally that there are Anglican Bishops who desire this unity and we should entrust this to their care by the power of God. Each church both Anglican and Catholic have many riches to share from their traditions and I have attended both masses and can attest to this. I personally will shed tears of joy if this unity comes about as I myself, along with lay Catholics, Anglican clergy, Catholic clergy and other Christians are regularly praying for unity of the Church. All Christians can be of one fold under our Shepherd Jesus with the Pope as his representative. Remembering we are all one body in Christ allows us to continue where we are within the church to help reunite the members of Christ's body back to him. Blessings to all.
- Janette, Toronto, Canada
I don't understand how Anglicans and Catholics can unite under the 'Pope'. The Pope is Catholic, how can a Catholic be universal primate (does that mean boss?) of the Protestants? Is he suddenly going to moderate his Catholic views to allow agreement with the Anglican church? I get the feeling this idea is a bit like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted.
- Isabel, Woking, England
I am suprised at the inherent anti-catholicism and bigotry that is still levelled against catholics both in the UK and elsewhere. Instead of rejoicing in the possiblity of union in one church under the successor of St. Peter, people prefer to live in the wounds of the past. A united front against the secular world is surely a better message of God's love than squabbling amongst ourselves. The Catholic church is offering an olive branch, it should be seriously considered by all Christians.
- Aaron, Rome, Italy
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