"We acknowledge the importance of working together to present a shared Christian testimony to our society, and we are aware of the importance of working with other Christian denominations and other faiths to promote the good of society". This is a passage from the joint statement of the Catholic Primate of England and Wales, card. Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, and the leader of the Anglican communion, Rowan Williams, who attended the epoch-making meeting between the Catholic bishops and the Anglican bishops that ends in Leeds tomorrow. "This meeting is a significant part of our mutual commitment to dialogue and to a common testimony based on our faith and highlights our responsibility in working together as partners", added the two Primates as they admitted that, although "the Christian faith of the two Churches is deeply rooted in a common baptism, our communion remains imperfect. Our enthusiasm for dialogue means we must be honest in tackling the topics on which we do not agree. This can be done if we rely on the Gospel. We are sure the Holy Ghost will inspire our pilgrimage toward unity and our common mission”. Organised to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the visit of the then archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey, to Paul VI, the event is part of the process of the Iarccum commission for inter-religious dialogue. The Pope will grant an audience to Rowan Williams on November 23rd.
