Ecumenical links between Canterbury Cathedral and the monastic houses at Bec in Normandy have been strengthened when the Chapter of Canterbury travelled recently to Bec for the signing of an Agreement to strengthen mutual understanding and deepen spiritual relationships.

The monastic communities at Bec have a particular relationship with Canterbury since the 11th and 12th centuries, because Lanfranc, St Anselm, and Theobald were all either Abbots or Priors of Bec, and all were later chosen to be Archbishops of Canterbury. There are now two communities at Bec, one for men and one for women; and over recent years, relationships between these communities and Canterbury have been built up. The Bec communities have a particular commitment to work and pray for Christian unity. Several years ago it was decided that this relationship between the communities of Bec and Canterbury should be strengthened by the formulating of a charter.

‘This was a happy and moving occasion when the ties of affection and our common roots transcended the divisions which still exist between us" said the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Revd Robert Willis, earlier today. "We all hope that this partnership will deepen our Christian fellowship and an understanding of our ministry to each other and to the world’.

The full wording of the agreement is shown in one of the pictures attached but in essence the commitment of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury and the two Communities is:

to visit each other annually as far as is possible, travelling to Bec and to Canterbury in alternate years;

to take part in the major celebrations of our two communities in whatever way we can;

to accept each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and

to pray every Thursday for the unity of all Christians and for the two communities. 

The Charter was signed by the Dean of Canterbury, the Mother Prioress and the Abbot of Bec during the service of vespers in the Abbey Church, on Monday 28 th May 2007, the feast of Lanfranc, former Prior of Bec and Archbishop of Canterbury.

Ends

Notes to the Editor

1. I attach a photograph of the Agreement that was signed on the altar of the Abbey at Bec, plus some other photographs taken at the ceremony – I apologise that the latter are very small files.

2. Details of ecumenical links in recent years:

1993 Celebrations of the 900th anniversary of the installation of Anselm as    Archbishop of Canterbury in Bec and in Canterbury.

1997 1400th. Anniversary of the arrival of St Augustine in Canterbury – the Abbot and Mother Prioress of Bec attended a special commemoration service.

1998 Brothers and sisters to Canterbury for Lambeth conference.

2000 Brothers and sisters visited Lambeth and Canterbury

2001 Canterbury Chapter visit to Bec

2005 Archbishop Rowan visited Bec for St Anselm's feast day (19th April.

2006 Abbot and Prioress plus one brother and one sister to Canterbury for the consecration of a new altar in St Anselm's chapel.

Visits of former Archbishops of Canterbury to Bec: Ramsey in 1967, Coggan in 1977, Runcie in 1984 & 1987, Carey in 1994

Item from: Canterbury Cathedral