Father Pinnock over at onetimothyfour has some interesting points in his blog entry. What I would like to do is to invite all to have a discussion here on number of points.1. There is great diversity of opinion in the C of E for instance on this topic. How important is it for an identifiable group to be established and soon?
2. What would this look like in an English context as opposed to somewhere else in the world where there are mostly gathered communities and no state church?
3. If you are sceptical about this; why so?
4. Married Clergy would cease with those entering and would not be a continued practise. There would not be a rite with married and celibate clergy. Any who were raised up from the communities of these groups involved in the prelature would indeed have to comply with the celibacy requirement for priesthood. This presently happens in the Anglican Use parishes in the US.
In charity, let's have an intelligent discussion on this topic assuming that it 'could be true.'
Over at The New Liturgical Movement there are a number of comments that allow one to get the 'feel' of the atmosphere surrounding such a move by the CDF and Holy Father. First of all, allow me to say that from my point of view when there is talk of unity and getting back together under one Catholic umbrella that makes me thrilled to bits. What I do pray for is charity and the spirit of Jesus' prayer from John 17. Of course reunions are messy and the details are not sorted as rapidly as one might hope.
But, IF this story is true (I'm not sceptical about it due to the generosity and ecumenical drive of this current Pope) and this indeed is what is going to be taking place, I welcome it for all involved and look forward to seeing this developed in the life of the Catholic Church. At the end of the day, we need one another. Just take a quick look around England and all churches, both Anglican and Catholic, and tell me that we do not need one another for mission and evangelisation! Our culture of disbelief demands that we be one that the world may believe in the Lord Jesus. This very well might be the beginning of the reunion of Christendom and I am hopeful and excited about what the Holy Spirit does to the hearts of men and women and I pray something as historical as this would be takes place. Of course we do not make demands on the Church and of course being Catholic means coming under submission of the Magisterium and Vatican II and other declarations from the Church.
5 comments:
This Pope is creating a spring time for the Church. He is doing his job as the universal pastor of the flock. He is even exercising his pastoral authority over those who do not recgonize him it seems. I am completely humbled by this report and hope this throws open the gates to many mass conversion and reunion of many Christian communities with the Holy See. Glory to God in the highest!
Absolutely, this could be the beginning of unity. It should also be something for the ABC to take on board with regards to the forthcoming synod. I hope it is true, but for the reasons I highlighted on my blog, particularly about the administration of a new Personal Prelature, if it is a similar form to that of Opus Dei, I think it could be very difficult to implement. Think Summorum Pontificium and the eagerness of the English RC Bishops to implement that direct instruction.
The other issue is the Church buildings, TEC have their own, we do not, what we do have is, in my experience, buildings full of people who love the CofE and their 'own' building. However, I wonder if a deal could not be struck between the CofE and the Roman Church in this country over ownership of buildings.
As I have always said, one of the reasons I believe the CofE to be reluctant to offer us a third province is that such a province would eventually attract more to it than the original two. Truth and resolution are powerful attractions. With a Personal Prelature the dynamics of attraction would be different, for many CofE folk even in our 'wing' have an aversion to the Roman Church. Time will tell. I pray only that His will be done.
Get married quick!!!!
I am a Roman Catholic reader. I am as excited as anyone about this report, but I will wait to see if it is confirmed by Rome.
I am a reader of "True Life in God" which began with the mystical experiences of Vassula Ryden. In these writings it is clear that we are in very important times. The keys to unity are described as "humility and love". The present Pope is a great example of both. The recent election in Moscow of Patriarch Kirill is also hopeful.
I have always loved the Anglican Church and personally would rejoice at the inclusion of many of the treasures of Anglican liturgy and prayer within the Communion of Peter.
Another point, if I may; we really need to work with the East on getting one date for Easter. To my mond this would be a great move forwards - for ALL Christians to celebrate and proclaim the Resurrection on the same day would itself be a great act of evangelisation and would open the doors to other initiatives towards unity.
Dear Father,
Thank you for your kind words and please know how encouraging they are to us. I took a look at your blog and parish and I am happy to learn that you are a reader here. Please feel free to enter any and all discussions to give us your insights into these days of turmoil yet excitement.
Blessings!
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