To Roman Catholics, it’s “Christian unity in the news” But to conservative Anglicans, it’s a “tempest in a teapot”:
When the Bishop of Rome issued Anglicanorum Coetibus it was said that 400,000 continuing Anglicans plus many more from the Church of England and the Anglican Communion would be rushing for the bridges of the Tiber. On Sunday, the Roman authorities held “ceremonies across the country” to receive Anglicans in Canada wanting to join the new Anglican Ordinariate of the Roman Catholic Church. Only around 100 confused Anglicans in all of Canada accepted the Roman bishop’s “generous offer.” Still, Rome is hoping for “dozens” more in upcoming weeks!
Only about 1,400 Anglicans out of 27 million have joined the new Ordinariate in Great Britain, and about 1,000 more are said to be on the Roman road in the United States - and that number may be wishful thinking as well. Despite the hype, the wishful thinking on the part of Rome, and the “generous offer” of the Roman bishop, Anglicans are not going to leave their Church to submit to an unreformed papacy. It is just not going to happen. Yes, we have got problems; but I would not trade our problems for their deeply rooted doctrinal errors, nominal Christianity, and moral scandals.
George Will might call the small blip this effort has made
“a rounding error”.
The "400,000" were supposed to be from the TAC, whose bishops worldwide had unanimously signed assent to all the teachings in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and had petitioned Rome for a way to enter communion with the See of St. Peter in a corporate manner. It seems it was a case of "be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it." The Pope took them up on their challenge, and them many of the bishops said his offer wasn't "good enough." Apparently their faith and their brains were disconnected from each other. Those who truly sought unity are making the transition. Those just playing lip service to it are remaining in their separation.
ReplyDeleteEvery soul is precious. One person alone is more than a "rounding error."
ReplyDeleteApparently their faith and their brains were disconnected from each other. Those who truly sought unity are making the transition. Those just playing lip service to it are remaining in their separation.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe, after further review, they found out what Rome was really about, and they rejected it. There is a whole section of articles at the Continuum blog. Consider the comments provided at the link Baiticum et Switchorum:
Let us be clear. Unlike the "uniates" and "rites," former Anglicans will not have their own church within the Church. They will will be absorbed, but with permission to use something different, but as of yet undefined.
Sort of like Nancy Pelosi: Come on, let's pass this bill so we can see what's in it.
Unity with Rome isn't really unity at all. Rome's way is "Rome's way or the highway".
Benn Douglass: they are "confused" precious souls, who took them up on this offer.
ReplyDelete