The web site of the Diocese of Portland, ME is advertising a joint ACA/TAC – Roman Catholic Christian Unity service tomorrow evening.  H/t to Andrew Jordan.

Bishop Richard Malone of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland and Bishop Brian Marsh of the Anglican Church in America (TAC), Diocese of the Northeast, will lead a joint Prayer Service for Christian Unity on February 2nd at 7:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. The liturgy for Christian Unity is being held to provide an opportunity for both local church bodies to offer prayers that divisions between the faithful will end.

"The Diocese of Portland is happy to celebrate the historic progress made between the TAC and the Catholic Church to truly become one body. We know that constant prayer and sincere belief in the goal of unity in Christ will lead us to His ultimate plan," Bishop Malone remarked.

"We are pleased to be able to join in prayer with our brothers and sisters in Christ for unity," commented Bishop Marsh. "Our Lord's will is that we should all be one and we hope these efforts will allow us to be guided by the Holy Spirit so that our separations will cease".

* * *

The Traditional Anglican Communion began discussions with the Vatican nearly three decades ago. Five years ago Archbishop John Hepworth, apostolic leader of the worldwide church, began conversations on inter-communion with the then Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger which continued after his election as Pope Benedict XVI. Since then, the TAC has sent a letter to the Vatican requesting full, sacramental intercommunion.

The worldwide Traditional Anglican Communion, with members in 44 countries, seeks to uphold the Catholic Faith, Apostolic Order, Orthodox Worship and Evangelical Witness of the Anglican tradition within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. The Anglican Church in America is the TAC denomination in the United States and there are ten parish/religious communities in Maine. The TAC and the Episcopal Church in the United States are not affiliated.

The two Bishops will hold a press conference on February 2nd prior to the service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception residence at 4:00 PM. The Service for Christian Unity will involve clergy, lay ministers and choirs from both Church bodies.

* * *
Be sure to follow our Moderator at Eccentric Bliss, his personal blog!