The Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission is spending its first few days reviewing previous work, particularly in ecclesiology and ethics.

This is happening in a context of regular prayer with members of the monastery of Bose. Study of the Epistle to the Ephesians, led by the co-chairs, provides a biblical framework for discussions.

On Friday the commission looked particularly at the mandate given to it, which is to engage in theological dialogue and reflection with the tasks of:

• Re-examining how the goal to seek “restoration of complete communion in faith and sacramental life” is to be understood today.

• Presenting the work of ARCIC II for reception  .

• Continuing to work in the established dialogue method
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• Discussing the church as communion, local and universal.

• How in communion the local and universal church can discern right ethical teaching

Bishop Gabriele, of Biella,  told the commission that in his cathedral there is a baptistery with a font which is older than the division of Christianity in 1054.

He has given permission for all Christians to use this baptistery, for baptism is common to all. "The more we love our Lord," he said, "the easier it is for us to come closer to one another."