Despite the difficulties

“The pursuit of peace in the Holy Land and in other part of the world marred by conflict and the threat of terrorism” is one of the many areas of witness and service in which we can stand together, and which indeed call for closer cooperation between us”, declare B ENEDICT XVI and the Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of the Anglican Communion ROWAN WILLIAMS, in their Common Statement signed at the end of their meeting in the Vatican on 23 November, 40 years after the historic visit of the then Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey to Paul VI. The Statement underlines “the good that has come out of these four decades” but, at the same time, acknowledges the “difficulties and obstacles” “caused by new developments within the Anglican Communion”. There is therefore a need, the Statement continues, to renew “our commitment to pursue the path towards full and visible communion” in the service of man. CONTINUING DIALOGUE . “The world needs our witness and the strength which comes from an undivided proclamation of the Gospel. The immense sufferings of the human family and the forms of injustice that adversely affect the lives of so many people constitute an urgent call for our shared witness and service”, said Benedict XVI during his meeting with the archbishop. Pointing our that “recent developments, especially concerning the ordained ministry and certain moral teachings, have affected not only internal relations within the Anglican Communion but also relations between” our two Churches, the Pope said he was convinced that “these matters, which are presently under discussion within the Anglican Communion, are of vital importance to the preaching of the Gospel in its integrity, and that your current discussions will shape the future of our relations”. It is nonetheless important, he concluded, that “even amidst present difficulties, we continue our theological dialogue”. POSITIVE BALANCE SHEET . Meeting journalists on the morning following his audience with Benedict XVI, Rowan Williams drew up a positive balance sheet of his visit. “I came to Rome to establish a person relationship with the Pope – he declared -, to develop the dialogue between Anglicans and Catholics” and “to meet the various Vatican Congregations” that deal with ecumenical dialogue. “I can tell you that all three objectives have been met”. Williams then announced that the report of the International Anglican-Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) would be published at the beginning of 2007, and in the course of the year “a work group would meet to examine ways” for “concrete cooperation in witness and service”. The Archbishop of Canterbury then reported that he had outlined to Benedict XVI, at the latter’s request, “the experience and impact of the ordination of women”. “I explained to him my point of view – said the Anglican Primate -, the benefits that have accrued from it and the theological foundations that support it”. On the question of women bishops, “we have in course a profound theological reflection” and in this regard, he explained, “the Church of England has not yet taken a decision” on the matter, nor “can it be taken for granted” that it would take this step. THE POPE’S JOURNEYS. “I wish to express my gratitude for the visit of the Primate of the Anglican Communion to Rome; this meeting, which went far better than expected, demonstrates that we want to pursue with courage our dialogue and strive to overcome our difficulties”, commented Cardinal WALTER KASPER , President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, intervening at a press conference together with Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster and Catholic Primate of England and Wales. With reference to Benedict XVI’s journey to Turkey, Cardinal Kasper pointed out that “the primary purpose of this journey”, called by the cardinal “a visit that will not be easy but that is very important for supporting the Christian minorities that live in the country”, is “ecumenical dialogue”. Rowan Williams is on the wavelength: “With the Pope we did not discuss the question, but we did speak of interfaith dialogue”. In Williams’ view, Benedict XVI “will encourage the Christian minorities [in Turkey] that have a need for his presence”, but his “will be a very demanding journey, during which he will have to be careful about what he says”. With reference to common concerns about the Christian populations in the Middle East, Cardinal CORMAC MURPHY-O’CONNOR announced a “shared pilgrimage” to the Holy Land over Christmas, in which the leaders and faithful of the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Baptist Churches of England would take part”. On the eventuality of a journey of Benedict XVI to Great Britain, Cardinal O’Connor recalled that he has invited the Pope in 2005: due to his many commitments that visit could not, he said, be included in his programme for 2007, but “no does not mean never”.