Anglican Centre in Rome Appoints New Director

Rev. Canon Dr. Jo Bailey Wells to Lead Ecumenical and Dialogue Work

Rome, Italy – The Anglican Centre in Rome (ACR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Canon Dr. Jo Bailey Wells as its new Director, effective 1st September 2023.

Dr. Wells is an experienced priest, theologian, and ecumenist. She is currently the Canon Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral in London, England, and a member of the Anglican Communion's Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith, and Order (IASCUFO). She is also a visiting lecturer at King's College London and the University of Roehampton.

Dr. Wells's expertise in ecumenical relations and interfaith dialogue will be a valuable asset to the ACR as it continues its work of building bridges between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church, as well as other Christian denominations and world religions.

The ACR is a ministry of the Anglican Communion that seeks to promote understanding and unity between Anglicans and Roman Catholics. It was founded in 1966 and is based in Rome, Italy. The ACR's work includes theological dialogue, ecumenical initiatives, and educational programs.

Dr. Wells will succeed the current Director of the ACR, Rev. Canon Dr. Richard Burridge, who has served in this role since 2016. Dr. Burridge is retiring at the end of August 2023.

"I am delighted to welcome Dr. Wells as the new Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome," said Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of the Anglican Communion. "Her experience and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to build bridges between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church."

"I am honored to be appointed as the new Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome," said Dr. Wells. "I look forward to working with the ACR team and our partners in Rome and around the world to promote understanding and unity between Anglicans and Roman Catholics."