Next month will mark a new era in relations between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. At least, that is what the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury will be hoping when they meet in the Roman church of San Gregorio Magno al Celio on October 5. The church marks the spot where St Gregory the Great sent out St Augustine of Canterbury and 40 companions to take the Gospel to Britain.
The service that evening will blend Catholic Vespers with Anglican Evensong. The Sistine Chapel Choir and the choir of Canterbury Cathedral will sing side by side. Both Pope Francis and Justin Welby will preach, and then, after a joint declaration is read out, they will send 17 pairs of Catholic and Anglican bishops on missions across the world.
