We write to you as bishops who hold episcopal office in the worldwide Anglican Communion. We wish to clarify the identity of our churches and our ordained leaders in Italy whom we lead as legitimate members of the Anglican Communion. Together we are responsible for all the Anglican congregations in Italy that are in communion with the See of Canterbury. In particular, we lead the Church of England in Europe and the Convocation of the Episcopal Churches in Europe; the latter being part of the Episcopal Church (Anglican) based in the United States.
We give thanks to God for the warm ecumenical relations enjoyed by both our Anglican Churches along with the dioceses of the Catholic Church in which our congregations are located. We also give thanks for the positive relationships between our church communities and the parishes of the Catholic Church at the local level.
In recent years it has been brought to our attention that there are others in Italy who adopt the description “Anglican” in various configurations, but who are not part of the Anglican Communion; that is, they are not in communion with the See of Canterbury. This can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, as people associated with these groups often also refer to themselves as “bishop” or “archbishop”. We write this letter to state clearly that these are often irregular or illegal consecrations and ordinations, which are neither recognized by, nor part of, the Anglican Communion.
While it is the right of bishops and parish priests of the Catholic Church in Italy to invite whomever they wish to their events and activities, we write here to clarify who are the legitimate Anglican clergy who represent the Anglican Communion. The Anglican churches (also called chaplaincies, parishes and missions) and the names of the clergy are listed in the attached list.
Should any of our colleagues in the Catholic Church have any questions about the status or legitimacy of a particular congregation or priest, please do not hesitate to contact our offices. We, or our local clergy, will be happy to provide the necessary information.
In closing, we reaffirm our commitment as bishops of the Anglican Communion in Europe, to the good ecumenical friendships in Italy that we treasure, and we assure you of our fraternal prayers.
Your brothers in Christ,
The Right Reverend Mark D. W. Edington Bishop-in-Charge, Convocation of the Episcopal Churches in Europe, 23 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
The Right Reverend Dr Robert Innes, The Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, 47 rue Capitaine Crespel – box 49 1050, Brussels, Belgium
