The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Personal Representative to Rome, the Most Revd. David Moxon, is to visit Ripon later this month where he will pay his respects to the memory of a former Bishop of Ripon.
Archbishop Moxon is the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome – founded 50 years ago in 1966 by the then Bishop of Ripon, Bishop John Moorman after whom the Anglican Centre’s library is named. As Director, David Moxon liaises between Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby and works with Anglican Communion and Vatican bodies on joint projects for education, ecumenism, and shared mission.
On Sunday 29 January, Archbishop Moxon will attend the licensing service for five new Area Deans of Ripon Episcopal Area and the installation of two canons at a service in Ripon Cathedral led by the Bishop of Leeds, Rt Revd Nick Baines and Dean of Ripon, John Dobson.
Archbishop Moxon is inviting supporters and friends of the Anglican Centre to meet with him after the service. He will conclude the informal meeting with a moment of reflection around the memorial in the Cathedral to Bishop Moorman.
The Anglican Centre’s library (pictured left) was opened in 1966 by Bishop Moorman, an instrumental force in the setting up of the Anglican Centre. Bishop Moorman was a prominent ecumenist, whose knowledge of Italian, Latin, and Christian history made him the perfect man to be the Anglican observer at the Second Vatican Council.
The Anglican Centre is the permanent Anglican Communion presence in Rome. Describing the Centre, Archbishop Moxon says, “It is the living reality of our Communion’s commitment to the full visible unity of the Church, working collaboratively with all Christians for justice and peace in the world. The Centre was integral to the establishment of a multi-faith anti-slavery network, working to combat human trafficking, engaging with churches and agencies in Italy … The Centre seeks to bring down barriers of misunderstanding between Anglicans and Catholics; hosting scholars, art exhibitions, specialized courses, creating a space for hospitality and encounter.”
At the Service of Evensong at 3.30pm attended by Archbishop Moxon, Andrew Kitchingman will be installed as a Capitular Canon, and the Reverend Michael Hepper as an Honorary Canon. Five Area deans will be welcomed and licensed: the Reverend Michael Hepper, Area Dean of Wensley; the Reverend Canon Ian Greenhalgh, Area Dean of Ewecross and Bowland; the Reverend John Smith, Area Dean of Harrogate; the Reverend Yvonne Callaghan, Area Dean of Richmond; and the Reverend Canon Barry Pyke, Area Dean of Ripon.