The Reception of arcicI and II in Europe and Discerning the Strategy and Agenda for arciciii

Abstract

This essay derives from an address to the inaugural meeting of the third major phase of work of the Anglican – Roman Catholic International Commission (arcic) at the Monastery of Bose, Italy in May 2011. arcic is the official organ for formal bilateral dialogue between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. The methods devised by successive generations of arcic theologians have been highly influential in shaping the work of other bilateral ecumenical dialogues. The first half of the essay reviews and comments on the reception to-date within Europe of the first and second major phases of arcic’s work: arcicI (1971–1982) and arcicII (1987–2005). The second half then turns to identify the appropriate strategy for this crucial new phase of work, arcicIII (2011-present). Throughout the essay clear recognition is given to the fact that arcicIII is operating in a very different ecumenical context and in relation to a different set of challenges to those which prevailed when the classical arcic strategy was devised and as such requires a fresh strategic approach. The approach to contemporary ecumenical engagement and learning known as Receptive Ecumenism is presented here as providing this needed fresh strategy.