The newly appointed Primate's Theological Commission met for the first time recently in Oakville, Ont., and began identifying "underlying foundational questions, including our expression of our understanding of Christ and the church's understanding of its mission."

The new commission has been asked by General Synod's faith, worship and ministry department to "comment and reflect on the theological basis on which Anglicans approach inter-faith dialogue."

Originally established at the request of the General Synod of 1995, the members of the first commission met from 1996-2003 and produced three workbooks to assist the Anglican Church of Canada in addressing "fundamental theological questions." The new commission, headed by Bishop Victoria Matthews of Edmonton, comprises bishops, clergy and lay people from dioceses across the country.

The commission "chose to focus first on Â?mission;' each member reflected on their sense of their own mission in Christ, and for its next meeting members will prepare presentations on Â?What is the church's mission? Has our understanding and implementation of this mission changed over time," said a communiqué released at the end of the meeting. "Further reflection will also be given to Â?How and why should we continue the mission of the church?'"