Pope Benedict XVI's new structure for Anglican groups

Toronto FACULTY OF THEOLOGY, University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto - An overflow audience filled the downstairs lecture hall of the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael's College on Wednesday of this week for presentations on Pope Benedict XVI's new structure for Anglican groups who request full communion with the Catholic Church.

Problems and possibilities of the new structure were explored by four professors of theology who gave short talks and answered questions from the audience.

Presentations were given by Rev. Brian Clough, canon law professor at St. Augustine's Seminary; Prof. Joseph Mangina, theology professor at Wycliffe College; Prof. Christian McConnell, liturgy professor, and Prof. Margaret O'Gara, theology professor, both at the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael's College. The session was chaired by Rev. Darren Dias, OP, theology professor at St. Michael's Faculty of Theology.

Father Clough summarized the canon law regulations for the new structure and discussed some of the practical challenges it faces.

Speaking as the only Anglican among the four presenters, Prof. Mangina said that the new structure will not replace ecumenical dialogue between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches.

Prof. McConnell explored the implications of adding elements of the Anglican liturgical tradition to the liturgies already used within the Roman Catholic Church.

Prof. O'Gara said that the new structure is not really an example of ecumenism because it does not include the mutual changes necessary for the reunion of the two worldwide churches.

The panel presentation was preceded by an ecumenical service of midday prayer that was planned by theological students from Wycliffe College and St. Michael's Faculty of Theology. Rev. Ephraim Radner, Anglican priest and theology professor at Wycliffe College, was the invited preacher.

Rev. Mario D'Souza, CSB, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael's College, welcomed guests to the ecumenical events at the start of midday prayer. He emphasized the commitment of the Faculty of Theology to ecumenical relationships among the seven member schools of the Toronto School of Theology.