Posted on 06/24/2002 7:08:47 AM PDT by narses
Date: 2002-06-21
Anglican Primate Calls John Paul II "Spiritual Leader of Christianity"
Statements of Archbishop of Canterbury During Visit to Rome
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 21, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop George Carey of Canterbury, primate of the Anglican Communion, called John Paul II the "spiritual leader of the whole of Christianity."
The leader of 70 million Anglican faithful made his assessment over Vatican Radio today after a papal audience.
The Briton´s visit was charged with melancholy, because the 103rd archbishop of Canterbury plans to retire Oct. 31.
Dr. Carey, 66, said his visit had a "highly personal" character "to express my gratitude to the Holy Father for the friendship we have been able to build in these past 11 years."
"I have been able to meet him on many occasions," he said. "I feel great esteem for him, as a brother in the faith, and I respect in the most total way his figure as spiritual leader for the whole of Christianity throughout the world."
"In our conversations we have spoken of the way toward the most profound unity; of course there are differences, but on fundamental aspects the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion are, in reality, very close," Dr. Carey added.
A London East Ender, he was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in 1991 by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Dr. Carey´s presence in Rome coincided with an exhibition in the Vatican Museums on the history of Anglicanism.
Regarding Catholic-Anglican rapprochement, he said: "I think that it is necessary to work more intensely at the theological level, although I must admit that that the studies go forward in a tranquil manner: not as fast as I would like, but it is true that we must also think long term."
"Basically, we have been divided and separated over 450 years and we cannot think of attaining the desired unity in one or two years," he added. "The progress we are making is undoubtedly encouraging."
A working group was formed in January 2001 between the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church, to foment mutual relations. It is presided over by Anglican Bishop David Beetle of Highvale, South Africa, and by Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane, Australia.
King Henry VIII proclaimed himself supreme head of the Anglican Church in 1531, after the Pope refused to annul his marriage. Two years later, the Pope excommunicated the English king.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.