ARCIC-I Wins Unique OK
Episcopal News Service. January 10, 1985 [85003]
NEW YORK (DPS, Jan. 10) -- The Roman Catholic bishops of the United States have unanimously approved a positive evaluation of conclusions on Eucharist, Ministry and Authority in the Church reached by the first Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC I). According to Archbishop John Whealon of Hartford, Conn., head of the ad hoc evaluation committee for the National Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops, this is the first time that body has responded to any dialogue statement.
In addition to the evaluation, the bishops offered ideas for further exploration of points they found to be either ambiguous or inadequately covered. They also suggested that the Vatican call a synod of bishops to consider Anglican-Roman Catholic reunion.
Member Churches of the Anglican Communion are also engaged in evaluation of the ARCIC I document. The Episcopal Church has already approved the agreements on Eucharist and Ministry, and that on Authority will be considered by General Convention this year.
Meanwhile, the U.S. component of the dialogue continues. Its 29th meeting took place Dec. 10-13 at the House of the Redeemer here, with Theodore Eastman, Bishop Coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and co-chairman of the dialogue, serving as host. Whealon, the new Roman Catholic co-chairman, was also present.
Responding to a request from the Second Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC II), the meeting's discussions centered on issues which affect the expression of unity between the two churches. Among the topics were Roman Catholic recognition of Anglican orders and the Roman Catholic concept of "Communicatio in Sacris" (sharing in worship). Representatives of each group's national network of diocesan ecumenical officers suggested ways of expressing unity which are possible within the present disciplines of the two communions.
The next meeting of the Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue in the U.S.A. will take place Oct. 13-16, 1985 and will discuss apostolic succession, the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist and models of the Church.