Here’s a 15-minute interview on Vatican Radio with Dr. Rowan Williams. Interesting reflections on Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue, female bishops, his talk on St. Benedict, and, finally, his talk today at a prayer service in rememberance of seven Melanesian brothers, Anglican Christians martyred in the Solomon Islands in 2003.

Ruth Gledhill summarizes Dr. Williams’ talk here, and has a YouTube recording of a bit of it. Gledhill’s summary of the events in 2003:

Robin Lindsay, Francis Tofi, Alfred Hill, Ini Paratabatu, Patteson Gatu, Tony Sirihi and Nathaniel Sado were among those in religious communities bringing succour to those in need after the Solomon Islands were hit by a civil war between the people of Gadalcanal and of Malaita from the end of the 1990s. The brothers camped between enemy lines, praying with militants in the name of God and negotiating the release of hostages. Many fighters surrendered to the brothers, relinquishing weapons in a rite of forgiveness and reconciliation. Then one brother, Nathaniel, disappeared on a mission to deliver a letter requesting a peace dialogue from the Archbishop of Melanesia to warlord Harold Keke. The six other brothers set out by canoe to find him and they also did not return.  Months later, it was discovered that Keke’s militia killed them when they landed on the beach. At this point, confirming the killings, Keke surrendered.

The service, "sponsored" (I can’t think of another word….) by the San’Egidio Community was held at San Bartolomeo all’Isola:

In 2000, it was dedicated by John Paul II to the memory of the new martyrs of the 20th and 21st century. This memory is taken care of by the Community of Sant’Egidio, who also painted the icon on the main altar.

It’s Cardinal George’s titular church, btw.

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