The Colloquium of Anglican and Roman Catholic Canon Lawyers
Background and objectives:
The Colloquium was established in Rome in 1999, an initiative of the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), the Centre for Law and Religion, Law School, Cardiff University, UK, and Duquesne Law School, Pittsburgh, USA. The meeting is believed to have been the first of its type. Leaders of both communions have recognised the value of the Colloquium and its work.
The aim of the Colloquium is to contribute to greater ecumenical understanding between Anglicans and Roman Catholics from the perspective of canon law as a form of applied ecclesiology. The Colloquium explores ways in which the respective laws of each communion either facilitate or inhibit unity. A deeper understanding of the laws discloses what the communions share, a practical sign that ecumenism is reaching all levels of Christian life and thought. Greater visible ecclesial unity may be achieved when canonical possibilities which enable this are fully understood.
Members of the Colloquium meeting in Rome in March 2009 with Mgr Rod Strange and Fr John Breen (Vice-Rector).