This evening gives us an opportunity to celebrate that fact. Nevertheless we know that some Protestant Christians object to this theological dialogue. They fear that Reformation principles are being abandoned and gospel faith is being traduced. I reply that the journey the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion have taken since the Second Vatican Council has not been a journey away from the Christian faith but a pilgrimage together into its heart. Polemics lead to hatred and division.
Partnership leads to the promise of mutual service and eventual union.
Earlier this year I was delighted to respond to Pope John Paul II's invitation to join him and other ecumenical representatives at the opening of the Holy Door in the Basilica of St Paul's without the Walls in Rome. Anglican Christians will be aware that St Paul's has a particular resonance for us since it was there that Paul VI gave Archbishop Michael Ramsey the gift of an Episcopal ring which is still worn today when Archbishops visit the Pope. And so it was that I found myself, together with a representative of His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, standing together with the Pope as we prepared to open the Holy Door. The three of us had to go to some effort to get it open. I am sure that all of us here this evening, on the eve of Pope John Paul II's 80th birthday will want to express our gratitude for his holy and inspiring Ministry and extend to him our love and prayers.