The Archbishop of Canterbury has described how he and Cardinal Vincent Nichols wept together over the divisions of Christianity at a Mass in Westminster Cathedral.
Archbishop Justin Welby recalled the moment in an article for the Evening Standard marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
He said that he joined the line for Communion and, instead of putting his hands out for the Host, knelt down to be blessed by Cardinal Nichols. “He took my hand and lifted me to my feet,” he said. “Both of us had tears in our eyes.”
The archbishop explained: “We are the closest of friends, and being reminded of the divisions in the global Church pains us both very deeply.”
He said his friendship with Cardinal Nichols showed how Christians had “learned once again to love one another” after the conflicts of the Reformation.
His remarks echoed those of Pope Francis. During a meeting last week with the Rev Derek Browning, Moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Pope said Christians had learned to recognise they were brothers and sisters rather than enemies.
Welcoming the Presbyterian leader, Francis said: “Let us thank the Lord for the great gift of being able to live this year in true fraternity, no longer as adversaries, after long centuries of estrangement and conflict.”
“The past cannot be changed, yet today we at last see one another as God sees us,” he said.
Last Friday Dr Welby met Pope Francis at the Vatican. The archbishop introduced the new director of the Anglican Centre in Rome. The Pope invited the Anglican leaders for lunch, which lasted an hour and a half.
Police could stop Corpus Christi parades in Scotland
Catholics seeking to hold Corpus Christi and First Communion parades in Scotland could face big legal bills and red tape thanks to a police ruling.
Police Scotland has said that, according to legal advice it has received, its officers have no power to close roads in non-emergency situations. Organisers of events must therefore seek Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs). These can cost up to £1,000 and take three months to process.
Dr Michael Rosie, of the University of Edinburgh, who wrote an independent report for the Government on marches, parades and processions, told the Scottish Catholic Observer: “A wee parish who wanted a parade could give up because it is too complicated and expensive to seek a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, while a bigger organisation like the Orange Order would have the resources and the gumption to refuse [to give up its march].”
A spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland said it was to be hoped that Catholics who wished to organise parades such as for Corpus Christi “will not be restricted or compromised in any way and nor should they face onerous requirements”.
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