Christian Unity and Inter Faith Relations
Building bridges of faith and friendship
The Anglican Communion Office serves the Communion by supporting work that fosters unity among Christians and builds respectful, collaborative relationships with people of other faiths.
Pursuing Christian Unity
In service of the full visible unity of the Church, the ACO supports ecumenical conversations with other Christian denominations. This includes formal dialogues with partners such as the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Lutheran churches worldwide.
This work also involves nurturing unity within the Anglican Communion itself through inter-Anglican conversations. These discussions are supported by commissions like the Inter Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO), which address theological questions around Anglican identity and structures.
Deepening Relationships and Understanding
Sharing wisdom In Multi-religious forums
Anglican leaders contribute a distinctive voice in global councils, sharing insights and working collectively with other faiths on pressing humanitarian issues.
Collaborating for peace and reconciliation
In regions of tension, the ACO works with partners to help address conflict and build collaboration in peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives.
Building relationships with other world faiths
The Anglican Inter Faith Commission helps to foster understanding and friendship between Anglicans and people from different faith traditions across the globe.
Journeying in mission with other Christian traditions
The ACO fosters collaboration in mission and ministry with other Christian denominations, to grow learning, peer support, resource sharing and encouragement.
From Dialogue to Action
These relationships are not just about conversation. They lead to shared action on global challenges, helping to transform unjust structures and pursue peace and reconciliation.
While these conversations can be deeply theological, they provide an essential foundation for the Church that contributes to the Anglican response to complex ethical questions and equips churches for mission and service in the world.
Growing connection and understanding
Walking Together: The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals
A key example of this work is The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals, which address structures and decision-making in the Anglican Communion. Developed by IASCUFO, they explore new ways for Anglicans to walk together.
This paper offers two principal proposals for the Communion to consider. The first suggests an updated definition of the Anglican Communion to reflect the maturing of its member churches. The second proposes broadening leadership responsibilities across the Instruments of Communion, aiming to diversify how they are convened and chaired.
These proposals will be discussed at the Anglican Consultative Council in 2026.
