On April 28, 2026, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, visited the headquarters of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in Rome. There she met with the board of this organization, which brings together leaders of Catholic women's religious congregations from around the world. The meeting was a space for dialogue and reflection on the role of women in the church and the path toward Christian unity.
Such gatherings are becoming more frequent in today's ecumenical context. The quest for unity among different Christian denominations has led leaders from various traditions to sit together and share experiences and challenges. In this case, the presence of an Anglican leader in the house of Catholic superior generals is a clear sign that barriers are being broken down.
Witness of Consecrated Women in Difficult Contexts
During the meeting, the mission of the UISG was presented, which today is present worldwide, including in conflict zones and refugee camps. The sisters shared their experiences in countries such as Brazil, Pakistan, Japan, Ethiopia, and several Western European nations. In all these places, consecrated women are committed to promoting human dignity, caring for the most vulnerable, and education, often in extremely complex situations.
Archbishop Mullally listened attentively to these testimonies and highlighted the importance of working together, also in interfaith contexts. She noted that concrete collaboration can help address common challenges, such as inequalities in health and education. In this regard, she underscored the significant role of women in promoting real change within communities.
“The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the good news are a great host” (Psalm 68:11, NIV).
Women Building Bridges
The dialogue focused on the contribution of women in church and social life. The importance of collaboration and shared responsibility was emphasized. Through shared experiences, a feminine presence emerged capable of generating relationships, accompanying processes, and building bridges between communities and cultures.
Archbishop Mullally, drawing on her experience in London, emphasized that women have a special gift for building bridges. In a city as diverse as London, she has seen how women from different religious traditions can work together to address common issues. This same spirit of collaboration is lived in the UISG, where sisters from different countries and cultures support one another.
Christian Unity as a Goal
One of the central themes of the meeting was the unity of Christians. Archbishop Mullally and the superior generals reflected on how the witness of women can accelerate the journey toward unity. In a divided world, the church is called to be a sign of reconciliation. Women, with their capacity for listening and empathy, can play a key role in this process.
The Bible reminds us that in Christ there is no division: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, NIV). This verse was cited during the meeting as a reminder that unity is a gift from God that we must cultivate.
A Path of Hope
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to work together for unity and justice. The participants agreed to continue collaborating on concrete initiatives, especially in the areas of education and health. Archbishop Mullally invited the sisters to visit Canterbury to continue the dialogue.
For Christians today, such meetings are a sign of hope. They remind us
Comments