US bishops praise Arcic

THE NATURE of the eticharist, devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and papal authority and infallibility remain unresolved obstacles in the path to unity between the Anglican and Catholic Churches, according to an American evaluation of unity talks.
The evaluation, which is being considered by the United States Bishops' Conference, deals with the final report of the first Anglican/Roman Catholic International Commission which was published in 1981 after twelve years work.
Drawn up by an ad hoc committee of bishops, the evaluation praises the final report, but mentions a number of ambiguities and unanswered questions. Its central proposition is that the Pope should call an extraordinary synod of bishops, with Anglican representation, to promote unity.
An speedy response to Arcic I is being urged in order to allow Arcic II, set up by Pope John Paul If and Dr Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury in 1982, to begin its work to resolve the remaining doctrinal problems and to suggest practical measures to restore unity.
The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales plans to publish its response to Arcic 1 next year.