For the first time since the Reform with which Henry VIII separated the Church of England from Rome, all the Anglican bishops who sit in the "House of Bishops" in the general Synod, one third of all those of the English state Church, will meet those of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales. The venue for this epoch-making meeting will be the city of Leeds from tomorrow to November 15th. The meeting will also be attended by the Anglican Primate Rowan Williams, the theological guide of 77 million Anglicans across the world as well as of the "Church of England”, who next week will report about the meeting to the Pope during a visit in Rome. In Leeds and in Rome, Catholics and Anglicans celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the meeting between Paul VI and Michael Ramsey after the Second Vatican Council. The hopes fuelled by that first ecumenical germ Paul VI gave his ring to Ramsey, who was touched by the gesture have been partly covered by some key documents of the Arcic commission that marked the steps of the new unity, about the meaning of the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the Sacraments, and priesthood. The remaining obstacles are the ordination of women bishops, gay pastors and gay marriages, which however do not prevent the two Churches having excellent mutual relationships on a local level. Next year, the Iarcuum commission that prepared the Leeds meeting is expected to deliver a new document.
