Evangelization in the context of an increasingly secular society is the “key theme” to be discussed by the members of the Anglican-Catholic Committee in England (English ARC) for the next five years. The Committee - newly configured and chaired by the Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, Mgr. Bernard Longley, and the Anglican Bishop of Truro, Revd Tim Thornton – met at Canterbury Cathedral from 23 to 24 March to decide the agenda of work. The topics chosen include a reflection on how “our two churches can bear joint witness in the area of public affairs”, particularly “on issues such as the common good as well as other social and ethical questions”. Furthermore, English ARC will inform “members of both churches about ecumenical progress already made over the last fifty years, emphasising what our churches have in common”. To encourage spiritual ecumenism, the churches will promote “joint prayer and worship (liturgies of the word)”. The Committee will report to the joint meetings of English Anglican and Catholic bishops, which happen every two years. At the end of its five-year programme, it will produce a report for both churches on the work it has undertaken.

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