Anglican writer David Virtue notes:
In the DIOCESE OF NORTHERN INDIANA, Bishop Edward Little and his Roman Catholic counterpart, Bishop John D’Arcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne/South Bend, jointly sponsored an event, titled “An Introduction to the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue.” During the evening event, which began with prayer in the church, both bishops underscored the need for closer ties and better understanding of one another’s churches. The Anglican presentation focuses on the importance of local clergy and laity beginning to receive and study the work of the 40-year-old Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue and relationship. “It is time to break down the very big theological agreements into stages of reception, so that these agreements can become part of the daily life in the churches. Embittered relations have surely run their course, especially in today’s world of ever more intricate networks.”
Much as I appreciate Bp. D’Arcy, isn’t he wasting his time? It would be more realistic to say that the official Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue has run its course. It produced various common declarations, each of them fruitless.
In contrast, the new and less structured dialogue between conservative Anglicans and the Catholic Church may actually result in some Christians moving into visible unity.
Grant this, O Lord.
RC-
You’re right, there have been joint declarations in the past, but what concrete results do we have to show for them? On the other hand, there have been shifts in positions especially in the Episcopalian Church (USA)during the last five years that have been quite dramatic. In the end, I’d just say “where two or three are gathered….” Mike T.