Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The Pope’s offer: To swim the Tiber?

It is well-known that the Holy Father has extended a pastoral crozier (shepherd’s crook) towards disaffected Anglicans of a catholic disposition. After much thought and angst I have formed an opinion on the matter.
What is the Offer?
To be honest, we are not sure. Details have been held back presumably until a more final and complete form of the apostolic constitution is available. Let us focus on what we do know.
The Pros Cons

Pro - As the Archbishop of Canterbury told us; Rome has shown us that much of Anglican practice and patrimony is seen as consistent with the Roman Catholicism – big score for ecumenism here.
Con – Potentially loosing some of our strongest clergy and leadership when we need them the most.
Pro – A gracious and pastoral offer to Christians in need – shows real leadership in a vacuum of what has been the ECUSA, CofE and ACofC.
Con – the Vatican still has yet to recognize Anglican Holy Orders or the validity of our sacraments.
Con – many points of concern felt by Anglicans, protestants, and the Eastern Orthodox church’s are remaining unchanged such as: Papal Infallibility and the Immaculate Conception.
Con – Divisive in the Anglican Communion
Pro – inclusive to Catholic minded Christians
Pro/Con - move shows a complete lack of faith in the leadership abilities of the current Archbishop of Canterbury

Despite the “Cons” I still view this as a form of Christian charity and stewardship by the Bishop of Rome. Benedict's unique ability to unite Christians while holding the official line of his church is interesting indeed. The Anglican Communion would do well to have an Archbishop of Canterbury with the same conviction, strength and theological depth Pope Benedict has afforded his office.
This is still not a coming together and mutual respect of Roman Catholics and Anglicans. The Pope has created a raft for those who wish to cross the Tiber and conform to the Roman way of doing things. This should allow those who have decided to leave Anglicanism a way back to Rome while being intellectually honest with themselves. Institutional concessions will make it an easier transition and allow a distinct Anglican feel.
Jeff Wilson

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An Anglican on the long and windy road towards Holy Orders.