The day on which Bishop John Flack will leave the Anglican Centre in Rome "will be a sad day for us. We wish him the best for his future ministry, and we express him all our gratitude for everything he has done in his working years in Rome". Those words were spoken by Father Donald Bolen. On behalf of the Papal Council for the promotion of the unity of Christians, he is following relations with the Anglicans. His words were a reaction to the news concerning the appointment of David Richardson as director of the Anglican Centre, as well as representative of the archbishop of Canterbury and of all the Anglican primates at the Holy See. "Msgr. Flack said Father Bolen has made a very good job, and with him, we had a very strong friendly relationship. In this period, the Anglicans are going through a very difficult situation, due to the inner conflicts which are somewhat creating difficulties, even ecumenical difficulties. In times of difficulties, it is very important to defend communication and consultations channels between Churches, founded on the values of the Gospel, such as kindness, forgiveness, and hope, which perhaps are still more important. Msgr. Flack represented this face of Anglicanism". As for the appointment of Richardson, Bolen said: "We are happy for the continuation of the tradition of the Anglican Centre. We are ready to work with him. We anticipate his arrival by telling him that we shall do anything possible to continue our relationships".
