2024 January 25

Bishop Nishantha Fernando Strengthens Ecumenical Bonds in Historic Meeting

In an extraordinary moment of unity, our beloved bishop, Rt. Rev. Nishantha Fernando convened with Pope Francis, the esteemed leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the distinguished head of the Church of England. This momentous meeting, which took place on January 25th at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls in Rome, was a key event organized under the umbrella of the International Anglican–Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM).

IARCCUM, established in 2001 as an official joint commission between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church, aims to foster closer cooperation and collaboration between the two traditions. The gathering saw the participation of numerous Anglican and Roman Catholic leaders, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing theological conversations between the two churches.

This encounter holds immense pride and significance for our diocese, as Bishop Nishantha Fernando played a vital role in promoting dialogue and understanding on an international level. It reflects our commitment to fostering unity and mission across different Christian traditions.

As part of the same international tour, our bishop also contributed to a Sunday Service at Saint Luke's Anglican Church in Fontainebleau, France, on January 21, 2024. This engagement further exemplifies our bishop's dedication to extending the reach of our diocese beyond borders, nurturing spiritual connections and fellowship on a global scale. We rejoice in these milestones, celebrating the impactful contributions of our bishop in fostering unity and understanding within the wider Christian community.