(ZENIT News / Rome, 30.04.2024).- Leaders of the global Anglican Communion, a branch of Protestant Christianity, are holding their main meeting in an unusual setting — Rome. It is the first time that this Assembly, which isn’t in communion with the Catholic Church or share its beliefs, takes place in the Eternal City. This event marks a milestone in the history of inter-religious and ecumenical dialogue between both Christian denominations.
The meeting, known as the gathering of Primates, is being held from April 29 to May 3, and foresees a meeting with Pope Francis. This historic appointment was announced by the Anglican Church in Canterbury, highlighting the interest of both Christian communities to strengthen their ties and promote mutual understanding.
Among the programmed events is a conversation with Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the global Catholic Synod. The main theme of the discussion is synodality, namely, the common participation and coexistence within the Church, exploring its meaning and possibilities for all the Christian community.
The Anglican leaders intend to address topics related to the structure and decision-making within the Anglican Communion. This dialogue seeks to strengthen and improve the internal functioning of the Anglican Communion, as well as to explore areas of collaboration and understanding with the Catholic Church.
In addition to the formal meetings, the gathering of Primates was conceived as a spiritual pilgrimage, with moments of shared prayer and biblical study. The program includes visits to sacred places, such as Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls, and Saint Mary’s Church in Trastevere. Planned as well is a meeting with representatives of the Sant’Egidio lay Catholic organization, emphasizing ecumenical commitment and inter-religious dialogue.
This gathering in Rome follows a previous meeting held in January 2024, where Anglican and Catholic Bishops from all over the world debated and visited places of historical and spiritual importance for both traditions. The symbolic gesture carried out at the tomb of the Apostle Paul, where Catholic and Anglican Bishops were charged to be witnesses of unity, highlights the commitment of both communities to ecumenism and the quest for Christian unity.
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