I understand very well the concerns of those who consider the comments of some church leaders as undervaluing the importance of doctrine and of full visible (that is to say, ecclesial, sacramental) communion as the nature and goal of the ecumenical movement. The good (that is, our present union in Christ through our common baptism and engagement in mission) may indeed be the enemy of the best (full visible unity.)

And yet, the good may be a pointer towards the best and, albeit limited, a sign, instrument and foretaste of it. It was a particular delight to hear Fr Jonathan Boardman reinforce the goal of full visible unity in his welcome to the Holy Father at All Saints, Rome, on 26 February. At a time when many seem to be pulling back from this vision and to be willing to settle for peaceful coexistence and shared engagement in mission – without any agreement about the nature of this mission – it seems to me more important than ever to restate and re-envision the goal, which seems to be the plain sense of the prayer of Jesus, St Paul’s ecclesiology and the ultimate end of God’s promise to Abraham.