In Rome 2 parishes, Anglican and RC, witness together to God's love

Don Felice, assistant at Ognissanti, and Fr Rob preaching together

5 years ago, a bishop paid a visit to a parish and encouraged them in their life and mission. Not an unusual thing to happen, except it was the Bishop of Rome visiting the Church of England parish of All Saints in Rome! 

At that time All Saints entered into a twinning partnership with the Roman Catholic parish of Ognissanti Appia Nuova in Rome. Together, inspired by Pope Francis’s visit and his ecumenical encouragement, the two parishes covenanted together to share the love of Christ in the city through common projects. One of these is a weekly provision of food to the homeless at Ostiense train station. 

As the Anglican Co-Chairman of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM), established by the highest authorities of our two communions to translate the theological agreement and spiritual communion achieved through our dialogue into visible and practical outcomes, I am very heartened by this twinning in the heart of Rome itself. United in participation in God’s mission we can witness to the unity which is Christ’s will for all of humanity. 

To celebrate 5 years of this twinning and to thank God for this growing together in joint mission, a service of Evensong was held in All Saints Rome with the participation of both parish priests, Don Walter Groppello (Ognissanti) and Fr Rob Warren (All Saints) together with other colleagues and members of both communities. Testimonies of the significance of this partnership were shared by members from both parishes.




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