Fr Dominic Robinson SJ welcomes State Visit by King Charles to Holy See

King Charles with Fr Dominic Robinson during the Advent Service at Farm Street church

Source: Jesuits in Britan

Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest of Farm Street Church, the Jesuit parish in Central London, who is currently in Rome, writes:

"This is such an exciting and potentially pivotal moment on the journey towards the full unity for which we are striving. Christ's command is that all be one in Him, and we are painfully aware of the historic divisions which have been such an obstacle to this. An unprecedented State Visit of The King to the Holy See as Head of the Church of England is far from a mere gesture but a statement of an ardent desire for that unity which Christ commands.

"Praying alongside the Holy Father in the Sistine Chapel and being installed as a Confrater of the great basilica of unity St Paul's-outside-the-Walls as were the English monarchs of the pre-Reformation Church, is a major step on our ecumenical journey together."

Farm Street has been closely involved in fostering ecumenical relations in recent years, welcoming King Charles III in December for a special Advent service at Farm Street celebrating the courage of Christian communities. Earlier this year, the parish also participated in the ecumenical service marking the 400th anniversary of the Queen's Chapel and collaborated with the Anglican Church on initiatives such as a joint choir pilgrimage to Rome, bringing together singers from both denominations.

For further information see: 'A Major Step on Our Ecumenical Journey': Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III pray in the Vatican