Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission

Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission
Name	Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission
Formation	1969
Type	Bilateral dialogue
Membership	Theologians appointed by the Holy See and the Anglican Communion
Language	English

Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission. The Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) is the official body for theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Established in the wake of a historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey, its mandate is to explore areas of doctrinal agreement and disagreement. Through decades of sustained dialogue, ARCIC has produced a series of agreed statements on core theological issues, seeking to heal the divisions stemming from the English Reformation.

Background and establishment

The impetus for formal dialogue grew from the Second Vatican Council and its decree on ecumenism, *Unitatis Redintegratio*, which encouraged reconciliation with other Christian communities. A pivotal moment was the 1966 meeting in Rome between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey, which led to the establishment of the Anglican Centre in Rome and a joint preparatory commission. This preparatory work culminated in the founding of the first Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission in 1969, with its inaugural meeting taking place in Windsor Castle. The commission's creation was a direct response to the Malta Report of 1968, which recommended a serious dialogue based on the Gospel and the common traditions of the first centuries.

Key documents and statements

ARCIC's work is embodied in three major phases of agreed statements. The first phase (ARCIC-I, 1970-1981) produced foundational texts including *The Eucharist (ARCIC)* (1971), *Ministry and Ordination (ARCIC)* (1973), and *Authority in the Church (ARCIC)* (1976). A second phase (ARCIC-II, 1983-2005) addressed further issues, resulting in documents such as *Salvation and the Church (ARCIC)* (1986) and *The Gift of Authority (ARCIC)* (1998). The third and current phase (ARCIC-III), begun in 2011, has published statements including *Walking Together on the Way (ARCIC)* (2017) and *Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ (ARCIC)* (2004), the latter actually concluding ARCIC-II's work.

Theological dialogue and agreements

The commission has achieved significant convergence on doctrines once considered divisive. On eucharistic theology, ARCIC affirmed a common understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, moving beyond the polemics of the Reformation. Regarding Holy Orders, the dialogues acknowledged a common theology of priesthood and episcopacy, though differences on ordination of women remain. The dialogues on justification found substantial agreement, anticipating the later Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification with Lutherans. Statements on Marian doctrine and ecclesiology have also identified a shared heritage in the teachings of the Church Fathers and the early councils.

Ongoing challenges and disagreements

Despite profound agreements, persistent obstacles hinder full communion. The principal issues are the nature and exercise of universal primacy, as articulated in the First Vatican Council's definition of papal infallibility. The ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate within many provinces of the Anglican Communion since the 1970s is a major new point of divergence. Furthermore, differing approaches to human sexuality and blessings of same-sex unions have created further tension, as noted in the Lambeth Conference and responses from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Impact and reception

ARCIC's work has fundamentally transformed the relationship between the two communions, shifting it from confrontation to a "dialogue of charity." Its agreed statements have been officially received and commended by successive Archbishops of Canterbury and the Holy See, most notably by Pope John Paul II and Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie in their 1989 Common Declaration. The documents are used extensively in ecumenical formation and theological education globally. However, formal acceptance of the agreements has been partial, with the Catholic Church issuing critical observations on *The Final Report (ARCIC)* in 1991, seeking further clarification on certain points.

Current status and future prospects

ARCIC-III continues its work, with recent focus areas including ecclesiology, moral theology, and the practical implications of "walking together" amid unresolved differences. The commission operates under the oversight of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Anglican Communion Office. The future of the dialogue is deeply affected by ongoing developments within the Anglican Communion, such as the GAFCON movement, and the Catholic Church's broader ecumenical engagements. While the goal of full, visible unity remains distant, ARCIC sustains a vital channel of communication and mutual understanding, committed to the prayer of Jesus Christ "that they may all be one" (Gospel of John).

Category:Anglican–Roman Catholic dialogue Category:Christian ecumenical organizations Category:1969 establishments