The Archbishop of Canterbury has accepted an invitation to become a patron of the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary (ESBVM). In his letter of acceptance, Dr Carey wrote: "The ESBVM has had an important place in the ecumenical landscape for many years and has made a significant contribution to the unity of God's Church. I am very pleased to be associated with this important work."

At the opening of the new Anglican Centre in Rome in February 1999, the Archbishop recalled how he had once spent three weeks at the Centre, and then later returned for private study on the Roman Catholic teaching on the Virgin Mary. He said this time had changed his ecumenical outlook.

At a reception following the opening, the Secretary General of ESBVM, Fr Bill McLoughlin OSM, was able to talk briefly to Dr Carey about the work of the Society. Further contact after the Archbishop's return to England led to the formal invitation to become a patron being issued by the Society's Council in October 1999.

Item from: ESBVM Newsletter