The Anglican Presence in Rome

The Anglican Centre in Rome was founded in 1966 as a result of a wave of enthusiasm that resulted from the Second Vatican Council and the resultant birth of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission. Both the Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey and Pope Paul VI were instrumental in its foundation and development. 

 

The main purpose of the centre was to promote relations between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. It is unfortunate that the changes brought about in the Anglican Communion has, in the meantime made such relations between the two churches strained and problematical.

Another example of an Anglican presence in Rome is the Church of All Saints which has strong links with the Anglican Centre. All Saints  supports the ministry of two other Anglican communities in central Italy. These are the churches of  St John the Baptist at Città della Pieve, Umbria and St Mary at the Cross at Macerata, Le Marche.

There is also the  American Episcopal Church of St. Paul Within the Walls.

Perhaps, one day, we may also see an Anglican Use Ordinariate presence in Rome.

O JESUS, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer to you my continual obedience, pleading that all Anglicans seeking union with the Apostolic See of Peter may have the fruition of their hope. By the power of your Divine Spirit so guide the Holy Father in Rome that this union will be accomplished and that what is good and true in our heritage may be preserved to the benefit of the Universal Church. Grant that Anglican bishops and priests longing for this union may be granted continued exercise of the priestly ministry under the authority of the Roman See and that Christians everywhere may once again know the Chair of Peter as that rock upon which your Church on earth is founded, against which hell cannot prevail. Amen.

                    --composed by Fr. James Moore in 1978