Anglicans and Catholics go out in pairs to evangelise

Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury were trying to keep hopes alive for closer Catholic and Anglican relations this week by commissioning bishops from their respective Churches on joint missions, writes Christopher Lamb. The two leaders, who were to have their third formal meeting in the Vatican on Thursday, were to “send out” 19 pairs from across the world during a service of Vespers at the San Gregorio Magno al Celio church. Countries that will have bishop pairings include France, Brazil, Hong Kong, India and New Zealand. From England the Bishop of Plymouth, Mark O’Toole, will join with his Anglican counterpart in the West Country, the Bishop of Truro, Tim Thornton.

Moves towards closer union are facing difficulty, due to the Anglican decision to ordain women, something the Catholic Church has said it cannot do. The pairs of bishops include no Anglican women.

Archbishop Justin Welby’s visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of Archbishop Michael Ramsey and Paul VI’s famous encounter when the Pope gave Ramsey his episcopal ring. It marks half a century since official theological dialogue in the shape of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission was originated and the Anglican Centre in Rome was founded.