Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission Completes Work
The third Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission wraps up 15 years of theological study.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Catholicism
Live Poll
Should religious institutions prioritize achieving unity over resolving internal doctrinal differences?
The third Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC III) has concluded its work after 15 years of collaborative study. The group recently published a communiqué outlining its findings on the Church as communion and moral discernment.
Why it matters
The commission's work, which coincides with Pope Francis's Synod on Synodality, aims to foster dialogue on complex theological and ethical questions. Its upcoming report will address sensitive issues including contraception and slavery.
ARCIC III was formed in 2011 to build upon the work of preceding commissions. The commission report suggests a universal eucharistic liturgy for the Anglican Communion, following the first statement agreed upon in Erfurt, Germany, in 2018.
The players
Pope Benedict XVI
He was the leader of the Catholic Church who, alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, mandated the formation of the third commission in 2011.
Rowan Williams
The former Archbishop of Canterbury served as a primary architect for the mandate of ARCIC III.
Pope Francis
The current head of the Catholic Church initiated the Synod on Synodality, which influenced the commission's recent direction.
The details
The commission utilized a system of receptive learning to navigate contemporary debates. It concluded that these ongoing discussions should be managed through synods and structured dialogue.
Timeline
1966: Meeting between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey.
1970: Establishment of the first Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission.
2011: Formation of the third commission, ARCIC III.
6 July 2018: First statement agreed upon in Erfurt, Germany.
Monday of last week: ARCIC III published its latest communiqué.
Culture Shift
This commission work follows the momentum established by the Synod on Synodality. The initiative marks a structural effort to harmonize ecumenical relations after a long period of limited formal progress.
The findings of the commission provide a framework for future theological discussions within local congregations and parishes. Followers of both traditions may see these themes integrated into regional synodal discussions in the coming months.
The takeaway
The conclusion of this commission represents a significant milestone in half a century of formal dialogue between the two traditions. Readers interested in religious history can watch for the upcoming agreed statement to see how these groups address modern ethical challenges.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing ecumenical efforts on the Catholicism page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Church Times.
Live Poll
Should religious institutions prioritize achieving unity over resolving internal doctrinal differences?
