The centenary of the Malines Conversations, a milestone in Anglican–Roman Catholic dialogue, was marked in Mechelen, Belgium, with a conference, an academic session, and a concluding Evensong service at Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral. Bishop Robert and Bishop Andrew joined the event.

Church leaders and scholars came together for a conference featuring contributions from Monseigneur Luc Terlinden, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels; The Most Revd Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham; The Right Revd Dr Robert Innes, Bishop in Europe and The Most Revd Ian Ernest, Retired Archbishop and Primate of the Province of the Indian Ocean. 

Following the conference there was a further academic session including speeches on Anglican-Catholic dialogue which was introduced by

Archbishop Terlinden. His Eminence Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and His Excellency Johan Bonny, Bishop of Antwerp and The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, shared their reflections.

Archbishop Stephen Cottrell said: 

“I am often struck by how our disunity weakens our witness to the world. We have grown too used to a broken body of Christ. Yet, I have also seen how, when we walk, work, and pray together, people glimpse the heart of the gospel and turn to Christ. The ecumenical journey that was begun in the Malines conversation continues today and it is a privilege to celebrate the progress that has been made. But there’s more to do. God is inviting us to live more deeply into the unity we already share. For the sake of the world.”

The session also heard from the Earl of Halifax, whose great-grandfather, Viscount Halifax, played a central role alongside Cardinal Mercier in establishing the original Malines Conversations in the 1920s. His words served as a prelude to the unveiling of a commemorative plaque beside Cardinal Mercier’s tomb.

The solemn service of Evensong followed the conference session, presided by Archbishops Cottrell and Terlinden together with Cardinal Koch among others. The sermon was preached by Archbishop Longley, with music provided by the Choir of Christ’s College, Cambridge.

Archbishop Luc Terlinden said:

“The Malines Conversations remind us that dialogue and friendship are vital steps on the road to unity.”

As part of an academic session on the final day, Archbishop Stephen delivered an address in Saint Rumbold’s cathedral.  Read this in full.

An article was published in Dutch on the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels website following the event, you can read this here