Ecumenical history will be made in Florence


Ecumenical history is going to be made tomorrow in Florence when the Anglican service of choral Evensong will be sung in the great baptistery of San Giovanni, next to the Cathedral. The ecumenical significance of this event is noteworthy: this is the first time that an Anglican service will be held in the ancient Florentine baptistery and is by kind permission of the Archbishop of Florence, His Eminence Cardinal Giuseppe Betori, and the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral. It will be led by the Chaplain of St Marks English Church, the Revd Fr William Lister. The Choir of St Mark’s will sing the service.

Fr Lister, besides being the priest of our Church of England parish in Florence is also responsible for St Peter's Sienna, and Holy Cross, Bologna, and is Area Dean of Italy. St Mark's is a busy international Church and is also an active venue for opera, concerts, and a wide range of artistic, literary and academic events for visitors and locals alike. The parish's role in strengthening relationships on the ground with the Roman Catholic Church adds in a significant way to our Anglican Communion's official dialogue.

Father William Lister


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