The centenary of the Malines Conversations, a milestone in Anglican–Roman Catholic dialogue, was marked in Mechelen, Belgium, with a 4 day conference, an academic session, and a concluding Evensong service on Sunday 21 September, at Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral.

The conference has gathered church leaders and scholars and had contributions from Monseigneur Luc Terlinden, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels; The Most Revd Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham; The Right Revd Dr Robert Innes, Bishop in Europe and The Most Revd Ian Ernest, Retired Archbishop and Primate of the Province of the Indian Ocean. 

Following the conference there was a further academic session including speeches on Anglican-Catholic dialogue which was introduced by Archbishop Terlinden. His Eminence Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and His Excellency Johan Bonny, Bishop of Antwerp and The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, shared their reflections.

Speaking of the importance of dialogue and the Malines Conversations, the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell said: 

“I am often struck by how our disunity weakens our witness to the world. We have grown too used to a broken body of Christ. Yet, I have also seen how, when we walk, work, and pray together, people glimpse the heart of the gospel and turn to Christ. The ecumenical journey that was begun in the Malines conversation continues today and it is a privilege to celebrate the progress that has been made. But there’s more to do. God is inviting us to live more deeply into the unity we already share. For the sake of the world.”

The Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussel, Luc Terlinden said:

“The Malines Conversations remind us that dialogue and friendship are vital steps on the road to unity.”

A solemn service of Evensong followed the conference sessions. The final service of evening prayer was presided over by the Archbishop Terlinden and the Archbishop of York, with Cardinal Koch reading one of the lessons. 

A plaque was unveiled commemorating Cardinal Mercier who was the leading Catholic in the 1921-25 conversations. 

The Malines Conversations were a series of five informal ecumenical conversations held from 1921 to 1927 which explored possibilities for greater unity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, forming one stage of Anglican–Roman Catholic dialogue.

The Anglican Communion is involved in a number of ecumenical and theological dialogues with the Roman Catholic tradition. These include The Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC); and the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) which pairs Anglican and Catholic bishops for ongoing dialogue and collaboration in mission. 

An article was published in Dutch on the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels website following the event. You can read this here

As part of an academic session on the final day, Archbishop Stephen delivered an address in Saint Rumbold’s cathedral. Read this in full.