Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission

Definition

The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) is a dialogue forum established in 1967 aimed at fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. It seeks to address theological differences, promote reconciliation, and enhance relationships through ongoing discussions and joint statements, focusing on issues such as authority, sacraments, and ethics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ARCIC was founded in 1967 as a response to the Second Vatican Council's call for greater ecumenical dialogue.
2. The commission has produced significant documents, such as 'Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry' (1982), which outlined shared beliefs between Anglicans and Catholics.
3. ARCIC has addressed issues related to church authority, including the role of the papacy and episcopal leadership within both traditions.
4. Meetings have taken place periodically since its establishment, fostering continued conversations about moral teachings and social issues.
5. The work of ARCIC has been influential in shaping the relationships between local Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, encouraging joint initiatives and shared worship.

Review Questions

• What are some key theological issues that the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission seeks to address?
  • The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission addresses several important theological issues, such as the understanding of authority within the Church, particularly concerning the papacy and episcopal governance. It also explores differences and commonalities related to sacraments, including baptism and Eucharist, aiming to create a clearer framework for mutual recognition. The commission's goal is to reduce misunderstandings between the two traditions by promoting dialogue on these critical topics.
• Evaluate how the work of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission has influenced ecumenical relations in recent years.
  • The work of ARCIC has significantly influenced ecumenical relations by providing a structured approach for Anglicans and Roman Catholics to engage in meaningful dialogue. Through its reports and discussions, ARCIC has facilitated a greater understanding of each tradition’s beliefs and practices, helping to break down barriers. This dialogue has led to various local collaborations in mission work and inter-church activities, demonstrating a commitment to unity while respecting doctrinal differences.
• Analyze the impact of ARCIC’s documents on contemporary Christian ethics within both Anglican and Roman Catholic contexts.
  • ARCIC's documents have had a profound impact on contemporary Christian ethics by encouraging both Anglicans and Roman Catholics to examine their moral teachings in light of shared principles. As these documents promote dialogues around social issues like justice, sexuality, and bioethics, they offer a platform for mutual reflection. By engaging with each other's perspectives through ARCIC's findings, both traditions can work towards a more unified stance on ethical matters while remaining aware of their distinctive theological positions.

Related terms

Anglican Communion:

A global family of churches in the Anglican tradition, which includes the Church of England and other national churches that are in communion with it.

Ecumenism: The movement aimed at promoting unity among different Christian denominations through dialogue and collaboration.

Lambeth Conference:

A decennial assembly of bishops of the Anglican Communion, which discusses matters of doctrine, polity, and mission.