ECUMENICAL dialogue

The Anglican–Baptist Dialogue

This dialogue represents a distinct model of ecumenical engagement, establishing a pathway of mutual learning rather than negotiating immediate structural union. By exploring our shared Apostolic Faith, we are deepening our common confession and finding practical ways to cooperate in mission.

The Anglican-Baptist dialogue represents a distinct model of ecumenical engagement. Known formally as the International Conversations (2000–2005), this dialogue was not designed to negotiate immediate structural union. Instead, it established a “new way of talking together,” prioritising deep relational understanding and the exploration of shared faith across diverse cultural contexts.

Facilitated by the Unity, Faith and Order department, these conversations brought together the Anglican Communion and the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) to explore how Christian faith and witness are shared by our two traditions in different regions of the world.

The Mandate: A Journey of Mutual Learning

Commissioned by the Lambeth Conference (1998) and the Baptist World Alliance General Council, the dialogue was governed by a realistic and focused mandate. Rather than seeking to overcome all theological differences immediately, the conversations aimed to:

  • Enable Mutual Learning: Deepening understanding of our respective histories and relationships.
  • Share Common Confession: Working towards a common expression of the Apostolic Faith.
  • Identify Doctrine: Clarifying issues of the nature of the church for future exploration.
  • Co-operate in Mission: Finding practical ways to witness together in community life.
A Regional Paradigm

Unique to this dialogue was its geographical methodology. Moving beyond a static conference room, the conversations travelled through six regions—Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America.

This “regional paradigm” ensured that theological reflection was rooted in local reality. From the mission centres of Yangon to the cathedrals of Norwich, the dialogue absorbed the distinct challenges and gifts of Anglicans and Baptists living side-by-side in diverse contexts.

Key Outcomes and Themes

The dialogue culminated in the report Conversations around the World (2005). While acknowledging that full structural recognition remains a future goal, the conversations achieved significant theological convergence in three key areas.

The dialogue articulated a breakthrough concept regarding how the church maintains its connection to the Apostles. It affirmed that Anglicans and Baptists share a “twofold sense of continuity”:

  • Direct Continuity: Fidelity to the Scriptures and the church of the New Testament (a primary Baptist emphasis).
  • Historical Continuity: Connection with the story of the church through the ages, often manifested in historic order and liturgy (a primary Anglican emphasis).

The report affirmed that these are not mutually exclusive, but different modes of belonging to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Addressing the historical divergence between infant and believer’s baptism, the dialogue reframed initiation not as a single event but as a lifelong process or journey. This journey includes nurture, personal profession of faith, baptism, confirmation, and admission to the Eucharist. This “journey model” allows both traditions to recognise shared elements of Christian initiation even where the timing of water baptism differs.

Particularly in the Global South, the conversations highlighted the indivisibility of evangelism and social justice. The dialogue critiqued “hesitations” in making prophetic critiques of society and lifted up models of shared witness, such as joint work with street children in Nairobi.

Key documents:
  • Conversations around the World (2000-2005) The final comprehensive report of the International Conversations, including the “Questions and Challenges” posed to both communions.
  • The Nairobi Communiqué (Africa Phase) Reflections on ancestors in the faith and the prophetic role of the church.
  • The Santiago Communiqué (Latin America Phase) Addressing evangelism, proselytism, and mission.
Access the complete library of communiqués, study papers, and historical documents related to this dialogue.