Affirming Anglican Catholicism (North America) sponsored a conference on the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission document, "The Gift of Authority," March 25 at Old St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, Md. The meeting featured presentations by Mary Tanner of the Church of England, and John Nilson of Loyola University, Chicago, with the Rev. Canon J. Robert Wright of General Theological Seminary as respondent.

Continuing the work of the International Commission, "The Gift of Authority" addresses the single most challenging issue between the Anglican and Roman Catholic communions: universal primacy exercised by the Bishop of Rome. The document notably suggests an acceptance of this primacy, at least on some levels, prior to a restoration of full communion.

Ms. Tanner and Mr. Nilson offered positive assessments of the document. Ms. Tanner remarked that it emphasizes ecclesiastical diversity, the bearing of tradition by the whole people of God, and the balance between individual and community in the church. She also noted the primarily idealistic language in reference to the exercise of authority. Ms. Tanner was not sure if the document is wise to use the word "infallible." Furthermore, she stated that the reflection process needs the responses of Eastern Orthodox and Lutherans.

Mr. Nilson, offering a Roman Catholic perspective, remarked that the ARCIC text strongly suggests that the theology issues between the communions are largely resolved. He engaged with the difficulties around the language of Vatican I, and stressed, most notably, that when "The Gift of Authority" speaks of a "re-reception" of primacy by the Roman Catholics, a reformed primacy is implied, one receivable by the whole church.

Canon Wright offered generally positive responses to both speakers, underscoring notable areas of agreement: ARCIC's work in which North Americans are increasingly prominent merits a thoughtful engagement in both churches. However, his engagement with the document was more cautious. He stated, in response to Ms. Tanner, that it does constitute a notable development in Anglican thinking in the areas of disagreement with Rome. Canon Wright's response to Mr. Nilson questioned the extent to which "The Gift of Authority," is, in fact, referring to a different sort of Roman primacy than that exercised now.

During the question-and-answer period with the speakers, the issue of Rome's view of Anglican holy orders was raised, as well as the inclusion of women in orders within the Anglican Communion. The panel sensed that ARCIC's willingness to work around such questions is itself significant. Canon Wright stated that while both Anglican orders and women serving in those orders need acceptance in a final reconciliation with Rome, both these issues would find themselves resolved within a context of substantial progress on the other issues between the communions.

The day included a celebration of the Eucharist for the Feast of the Annunciation, at which the Rt. Rev. Robert Ihloff, Bishop of Maryland, presided.

(The Rev.) Adam S. Linton