Since then the Chemin Neuf (“New Way”) members at Lambeth have included Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Lutherans from countries including France, England, Germany, Holland, Poland, Australia and Mauritius.
The community prays daily at Lambeth for divisions between churches to be healed and its presence here is a sign of the Archbishop’s commitment to unity among Christians.
It also supports Archbishop Justin’s ministry in important practical ways – from helping lead the Community of St Anselm to contributing to his ecumenical and international work.
The Chemin Neuf Community follows in the footsteps of a line of sisters from the Anglican Religious communities of the Order of the Holy Paraclete, the Community of the Holy Name and the Sisters of the Love of God, who served at Lambeth Palace for 24 years up to the end of 2013.
"There has never been a renewal of the Church in Western Europe without a renewal of prayer and the life of religious communities. If we want to see things changed, it starts with prayer. I am deeply moved that in God’s grace Chemin Neuf agreed to this radical and exciting new step of coming to live as a community of prayer, hospitality and learning at Lambeth Palace. We pray that this step of obedience will bear fruit among us, and for the Church.”
Archbishop Justin Welby
“Serving the Archbishop of Canterbury’s mission at Lambeth Palace is an important extension of our vocation to work for Christian Unity. Although Chemin Neuf is a Catholic foundation, our members in Lambeth Palace come from three different denominations, and our interaction with the Community of St Anselm is even wider. This is living unity across our differences in everyday life, and is both a challenge and a great joy.”
Alan Morley-Fletcher, Anglican member of Chemin Neuf at Lambeth Palace
“Being here at the heart of the Anglican Communion is always interesting and always a privilege. We get to know its joys and challenges from within – and learn from its culture of listening and having dialogue across differences.
“What especially changes me though – and makes me truly love my Anglican brothers and sisters – is the humble daily coming together before Christ in prayer. In the painful reality of our division, I treasure the hope I receive in these moments.”
Ula Michlowicz, Roman Catholic member of Chemin Neuf at Lambeth Palace
About Chemin Neuf
With about 2000 members in over 30 countries, the Chemin Neuf Community consists of men and women, married and single – some who have taken lifetime vows and others committed for a shorter term. Its members, who come from different Christian denominations, are united by their faith in Jesus Christ and the desire to serve the Church, the Gospel and the world.
"There has never been a renewal of the Church in Western Europe without a renewal of prayer and the life of religious communities. If we want to see things changed, it starts with prayer. I am deeply moved that in God’s grace Chemin Neuf agreed to this radical and exciting new step of coming to live as a community of prayer, hospitality and learning at Lambeth Palace. We pray that this step of obedience will bear fruit among us, and for the Church.”
Archbishop Justin Welby