Christian Unity: communication and conversation at the Anglican Centre
(Vatican Radio) The week of prayer for Christian Unity draws to a close on Friday
as Pope Benedict prepares to celebrate Vespers in the Basilica of St Paul Outside
the Walls with representatives of all the different local Christian communities. Among
them will be Canon David Richardson, the outgoing director of the Anglican Centre
here in Rome. Set up in the wake of the Second Vatican council, the centre has an
important library, runs educational courses, welcomes pilgrims to Rome and maintains
close contact with the different Vatican departments. Every Tuesday the centre
welcomes locals and visitors for a Eucharist, followed by an informal lunch hosted
by David and his wife Margie for people of all religious backgrounds or none. The
aim, as Philippa Hitchen found out, is to foster understanding, reconciliation and
better relations amongst all members of the Body of Christ…….