This course took place at the Anglican Centre in Rome from 5 to 8 October 2026, as part of the Centre's 60th anniversary celebrations. Registration is now closed.
Past Event
"Heirs of the Treasure of the Gospel of Jesus Christ"
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This course explored six decades of dialogue between Anglicans and Catholics through the ARCIC texts, examining what remains distinctive to each tradition and what is still needed for unity. Mornings were spent in seminar discussion at the Anglican Centre; afternoons visited one of Rome's great churches, each paired with that day's theme and accompanied by a Roman Catholic scholar. The course formed part of the ACR's 60th anniversary celebrations.
Course Schedule
Four days of seminar, prayer and pilgrimage. Mornings were given to discussion in the seminar room at the Centre; afternoons to one of Rome's great churches, paired with the theme of the day.
Full day-by-day scheduleMonday 5th to Thursday 8th October 2026
The first session set the scene by discussing the run-up to the Second Vatican Council (which took place between 1962 and 1965), the ecumenical implications of the Council itself, and the Common Declaration made by Pope St Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey in 1966.
This session explored the work of the first Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC I), and its insights on key themes including Eucharist, Ministry and Authority. It discussed the concept of 'reception', meaning what it takes for these agreements to enter into the life of the Anglican and Catholic traditions, and the barriers against such reception.
Wednesday morning's session explored the themes of ARCIC II, including ethics, authority, the nature of the Church and the role of Mary. What have Anglicans and Catholics been able to say together? Where are the areas of real difference? How do we understand these?
The last session began by discussing the work of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM), initiated in 2000 by Archbishop George Carey and Cardinal Edward Cassidy, enabling pairs of Anglican and Catholic bishops to minister together in their own contexts. It then discussed the work of ARCIC III, with its contemporary theme of 'walking together.'
The course concluded with a public seminar on the future of ecumenism led by Canon Hawkey and Professor Teresa Rossi from Centro Pro Unione.