Anglican-Roman Catholic Consultation
Discusses 'The Gift of Authority'

WASHINGTON (March 22, 2002) -- The spring session of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Consultation in the United States (ARC-USA) took place from March 14 to 17, 2002, at Vallombrosa Center in Menlo Park, California. The meeting was hosted by Archbishop William Levada of San Francisco, the Roman Catholic Co-Chairman of the dialogue.

The primary focus of the meeting was a detailed discussion of "The Gift of Authority," the 1999 document of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission. The members examined each paragraph of the document in order to identify areas of progress and points that need further clarification. Some of the major topics in the document are authoritative structures in the church; the role of bishops, clergy and laity in decision making, and primacy. There was a rich discussion of how the two churches experience synodality and primacy in decision-making with special emphasis on the life of our churches in the United States.

A session was also devoted to a progress report on the Eucharist and Ministry Project, which foresees the publication of a study guide for use in both churches at the parish level. This booklet, which is being prepared by Dr. Ruth Meyers and Prof. Joanne Pierce, would outline the progress that has been achieved in our dialogue as well as areas where full agreement has yet to be reached. The members also considered papers on inculturation and the American experience in relation to intermediate structures of authority in our churches. Contributions were submitted by Rev. George Tavard, Rev. Michael Battle, Rev. Robert Imbelli, and Rev. Dr. Robert Prichard. Bishop Edwin Gulick, Episcopal Co-Chairman, reported on the first meeting of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission.

The September 2001 ARC-USA meeting had to be cancelled because of the tragic events of September 11th. The commission resolved to continue its work now and in the future with renewed determination in recognition of the fact that the most effective answer to terrorism is a united Christian witness in the service of peace and the promotion of mutual respect and cooperation among the world's religions.

On the evening of March 16, the members visited Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco and St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Cathedral where Archbishop Levada presided at a Eucharist. After the liturgy he hosted a dinner for the members in his residence. The Right Reverend William Swing, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California, joined the members at the liturgy and dinner, as did the ecumenical officers of both dioceses.

The next meeting is scheduled to take place at the College of Preachers in Washington, DC, from September 12 to 15, 2002. The commission will continue its discussion of "The Gift of Authority" and any other official responses to it that may have been issued by that time, and will continue work on the Eucharist and Ministry Project and its study of inculturation.

The Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue in the United States has been meeting regularly since its foundation in 1965. In addition to the two co-chairmen, the Roman Catholic members are Bishop John C. Dunne, Rev. J. Augustine DiNoia, OP, Professor Mary Hines, Rev. Robert Imbelli, Prof. Jon Nilson, Prof. Joanne Pierce, Rev. George Tavard, AA, and Rev. Francis A. Sullivan, SJ (theological consultant). Staff: Rev. Ronald Roberson, CSP, (substituting for Dr. John Borelli) and Mr. Gregory Foraker. Other Episcopal members include Bishop Barry Howe, Rev. Michael Battle, Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, Rev. Dr. Robert Prichard, Rev. Ellen Wondra, Dr. Marsha Dutton, Dr. William Franklin, and Rev. Dr. Robert Wright (theological consultant). Staff: Bishop Christopher Epting and Rev. Dirk Reinken. Sr. Sara Butler and Dr. Rozanne Elder represent the international dialogue, Rev. Vince Heier represents the National Association of Diocesan Ecumenical Officers, and Rev. David Veal represents the Episcopal Diocesan Ecumenical Officers.




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