Reflecting on Unity: Archbishop Ian Ernest’s Journey in Rome
Archbishop Ian Ernest, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s outgoing Personal Representative to the Holy See, has spent his time in Rome working towards a shared goal – to help the Catholic and Anglican Churches become ‘beacons of hope’. As he prepares to step down from his position at the end of January, Archbishop Ernest reflects on his journey in Rome and the challenges and successes he has encountered along the way.
By Marie Duhamel and Joseph Tulloch
Ecumenism has been a significant part of Archbishop Ernest’s life since childhood. Growing up attending a Catholic school and with an Anglican priest as his father, he has always been immersed in the dialogue between different Christian denominations. When he was asked to become the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Personal Representative in Rome, Archbishop Ernest initially questioned his ability to fulfill such a role. However, he soon realized that with God’s grace, anything is possible.
During Archbishop Ernest’s tenure, he witnessed the friendship between Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby grow. Together, they embarked on a joint pilgrimage of peace to South Sudan, showcasing visible collaboration between the Catholic and Anglican Churches for the greater good. Archbishop Ernest believes that this partnership exemplifies hope and unity, echoing Pope Francis’ message in his 2020 Encyclical, ‘Fratelli tutti’.
As Archbishop Welby’s term comes to an end, Archbishop Ernest reflects on his legacy. He highlights Welby’s emphasis on reconciliation and the church’s mission as key components that will endure. Looking ahead, Archbishop Ernest believes that Welby’s successor will need to strike a balance between tradition and adaptation to the modern world.
When asked about the weight of such responsibilities, Archbishop Ernest reminds us that we all have our own heavy tasks in life. Whether it’s healing, teaching, or parenting, he emphasizes the importance of allowing God’s grace to guide us through our journey.
As Archbishop Ian Ernest bids farewell to Rome, his work towards unity and hope serves as a testament to the power of faith and collaboration between different Christian traditions.
