Catholics, Episcopalians to Consider Unity Move

WASHINGTON -- A panel of U.S. Roman Catholic and Episcopal Church delegates has proposed that bishops from the two denominations attend each others’ official meetings to foster Christian unity.

The idea is part of the Americans’ response to a 1999 report on church authority produced in international talks between the Vatican and the Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the worldwide Anglican faith.

The American paper says Episcopal and Anglican bishops should accompany Roman Catholic colleagues when they make their periodic reports to the pope and attend Vatican synods, and should participate in meetings of the U.S. bishops’ conference with a voice but no vote.

Similarly, Catholic bishops would join regular meetings of Episcopal and Anglican bishops.

On the issue of church authority, the paper says a “reformed understanding and practice” of the papacy is needed for reunion of the two churches. Anglicans continue to disagree with Catholic views of infallible teaching and lay participation.