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FIRST ANGLICAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC
CONCLUSION TO THE FINAL REPORT (1982)
This Final Report of the Anglican - Roman Catholic International Commission
represents a significant stage in relations between the Anglican Communion and
the Roman Catholic Church. The decision by our respective authorities, made as
long ago as 1966, to enter into serious dialogue in order to resolve
long-standing issues which have been at the origin of our separation, resulted
in our concentration on three main areas of controversy: the doctrine of the
eucharist, ministry and ordination, and the nature and exercise of authority in
the Church. This dialogue, however, has been directed not merely to the achievement of
doctrinal agreement, which is central to our reconciliation, but to the far
greater goal of organic unity. The convergence reflected in our Final Report
would appear to call for the establishing of a new relationship between our
Churches as a next stage in the journey towards Christian unity. We understand
but do not share the fears of those who think that such Statements constitute a
threat to all that is distinctive and true in their own traditions. It is our
hope to carry with us in the substance of our agreement not only Roman Catholics
and Anglicans but all Christians, and that what we have done may contribute to
the visible unity of all the people of God as well as to the reconciliation of
our two Churches.
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