24. The Rev Bill Winthrop asked -

This question refers to the Day of Prayer for Anglican/Roman Catholic Reconciliation set down for 3 June 1998 and to the material relating to it is as circulated by the Archbishop on 6 May 1998.

(a) Given that the official doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church has not changed substantially with regard to such fundamental gospel issues as salvation through grace alone, justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone, the primacy and sufficiency of Scripture and given Roman Catholic belief in the doctrine of the real presence of Christ in the Mass, and the partnership of Mary in that work which is ascribed in Scripture to the Son of God himself, does the Archbishop believe that those holding to the official doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church and those holding to the official doctrine of the Anglican church, are united in Christ, as stated in the resource material circulated for the "Day of Prayer"?

(b) Given the Apostle Paul's condemnation of those who teach a false gospel (Galatians 1:9), given Paul's warning against the dangers of joining in false worship with non-believers (1 Corinthians 10), and given the Apostle John's warning that those who welcome false teachers share in their wicked work (2 John 11), does the Archbishop believe that it is right to join in prayer with those who do not hold to the one true gospel?

To which the President replied -

This question is strictly out of order in the terms of Standing Order 27 because it contains statements which purport to be fact which have been made without leave of Synod, because it offers argument and opinion, and because it requests an opinion from the President. However because of the important issues raised I am happy to make some reply.

The questioner will be aware that the covering letter sent with the material to which he refers indicated that engagement in the prayer event and the use of the material supplied was at the discretion of each individual minister.

The proposed Day of Prayer was initiated by AUSTARC, the Australian Anglican Roman Catholic Conversation. They prepared the material for the day. This body has been set up in Australia to explore issues in much the same way as was done by ARCIC, the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission, of which Bishop Donald Cameron was a member for a number of years.

Our representative on AUSTARC is Dr. Robert Doyle of Moore College, who exercises a creditable and much appreciated role within those conversations. As the material was prepared by AUSTARC, it seemed appropriate at least to inform parishes of the opportunity that would exist for joint prayer if they wished to participate.

In spite of the very real differences that exist in the official positions of the two Churches to which the questioner has drawn attention, we do seek association with Roman Catholics on a number of fronts when this appears appropriate. For example, in this Synod Mrs Judge has drawn our attention to the cooperative action of Anglicans and Roman Catholics in the sphere of bioethics. We were pleased to join with them in united opposition to legislation designed to permit euthanasia in Australia.

For purposes of better understanding and common action in appropriate areas, Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops in NSW meet annually. The Halifax-Portal lectures have been established to explore publicly issues of common concern for the two traditions. Anglicans and Roman Catholics have joined in services focusing on reconciliation with Australia's original inhabitants. We join together annually to honour members of the Police Force who have given their lives in serving the community. The Roman Catholic Church is represented in the National Council of Churches in Australia and in Sydney, the heads of churches meet from time to time to discuss matters of mutual concern.

We have, for a very long time, besought the Lord "to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity and concord" and to grant "that they that do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word and live in unity and godly love". Therefore it seemed at least feasible that there would be some parishes that would wish to share the spirit and aspiration of that prayer with members of the Roman Catholic Church.

I have no desire to play down the real differences that exist between us. When Calvin contended that the bishop of Rome seen as the AntiChrist had his seat placed in the Temple of God, he nevertheless offered some recognition to those congregations in which, though Christ was hidden and half buried, the Lord preserves a remnant of his people. There will be a measure of personal judgement involved in discerning whether some similar recognition at the present time allows for a level of association which does not infringe the directions given by John. John's concern, in that particular context, was very specifically focused. My personal opinion is that progress towards effectively facing our real differences is more likely to occur in an atmosphere of mutual respect, prayer and open discussion than when we remain isolated and aloof. But I repeat, participation was clearly indicated to be voluntary.

The choice of the day in the Calendar recalling the death of the Ugandan Martyrs took on special meaning for those engaged in the debate on homosexuality at Lambeth. A Ugandan speaker created a dramatic moment in that debate by powerfully reminding everyone how those young believers chose death rather than submit to the improper desires of their king.