ARC dialogue moves forward

Prospects for better understanding between Anglicans and Roman Catholics in Canada may not seem as bright in some ways as they did 40 years ago, leaders of the two communions implied at a recent worship service at St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal.But the participants in the liturgy during a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Anglican-Roman Catholic (ARC) Dialogue of Canada expressed a commitment to press ahead, with gratitude.About five Anglican and 10 Roman Catholic bishops from different parts of Canada attended the service.”As Anglican and Roman Catholics seek to overcome the remaining obstacles to full visible unity, we recognize that the extent of our common faith compels us to live and witness together more fully here and now,” the lector said, reading from the texts.The service was an adaptation of the evening prayer service known to Roman Catholics as Vespers and Anglicans as Evensong. Anglican Bishop Barry Clarke of Montreal and Auxiliary Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Dowd of Montreal presided, the latter representing Archbishop Jean-Paul Cardinal Turcotte.