Bridge Over Troubled Tiber: Holy See Welcomes Anglican Christians into Catholic Church

10/20/2009

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the dialogues of the past forty years, this recognition would not have been possible, nor would hopes for full visible unity have been nurtured. In this sense, this Apostolic Constitution is one consequence of ecumenical dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

�The on-going official dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion provides the basis for our continuing cooperation. The Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) and International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) agreements make clear the path we will follow together.

�With God�s grace and prayer we are determined that our on-going mutual commitment and consultation on these and other matters should continue to be strengthened. Locally, in the spirit of IARCCUM, we look forward to building on the pattern of shared meetings between the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales and the Church of England�s House of Bishops with a focus on our common mission. Joint days of reflection and prayer were begun in Leeds in 2006 and continued in Lambeth in 2008, and further meetings are in preparation. This close cooperation will continue as we grow together in unity and mission, in witness to the Gospel in our country, and in the Church at large.�

There is only one word for this historic announcement - extraordinary. The Apostolic Constitution signed by Pope Benedict XVI will dramatically affect the ecclesial landscape of the entire Christian world. It will also change Christian history going forward. To this observer, who has been writing about these events for a long time and holding firm to the hope of just such an opening while others dismissed it, this is only the beginning of an historic period of Church history, a new missionary age.

In the midst of the darkness of the hour the Catholic Church has done what she has done for over two millennia, shine the light of the Truth to offer the way to salvation for all the Nations. The Church is not some optional organizational �extra� we fashioned, she is the Body of Christ, the new world, the seed of the Kingdom to come, the place where all men and women can find their fulfillment and the only path to authentic peace. The prayer of the Son of God �May They Be One� (John 17) still echoes and heaven itself is responding. Today�s historic news is the sign of the coming plan of that loving God who ��so loved the world that He sent His Only Son�. (John 3:16)

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

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1 - 10 of 51 Comments

PETRUS CHAN
3 years ago
the first step in real union with Roman Catholic catholic church
the only problem is the married Anglican bishops, to become a Catholic,you cannot ask them to early retire
There should be a succession plan and let these bishops continue their holy jobs till they are retired???
Phil
3 years ago
In light of the upcoming visit by the Pope to N. Ireland in 2010, not yet confirmed, I protest this as an attempt to incite violence and restart the N. Ireland civil war. The language used is derogatory of the Anglican church, indicating that it is somehow degenerate. These insults will be interpreted by nationalist Anglicans in N. Ireland as an attack upon their community. The war lasted for 30 years with over 3,000 dead and has recently quietened down following years of negotiations sponsored by the American government. This article is pouring gasoline on a fire which has burned down and I request it be retracted.
peter mwaura
3 years ago
Indeed God has answered the prayers of His faithful servants,Africa welcomes our dear brothers, the Anglicans
Tom Maher
3 years ago
To our dearest Anglican family: as fellow members in the Family of God, I humbly say 'Welcome Home'.
As a Catholic, I pray for your continued discernment and holiness. I pray that all Catholics extend to you the warmest of arms and loving hearts in all humility, as is our holy honor and duty. The can be no doubt the radical unity of our Triune God desires the same unity in His followers, not division-fraction-pride-. Praise God for our Holy Pope and for the Anglican clergy and lay so wise to see this is clearly the 'Will of God'.
Marion Ragsdale
3 years ago
Good news, indeed! Since I no longer buy & read a newspaper, I would have missed this important step on the part of my Church -- I heard nothing about it from our Pastor. Can't wait to see my friends at the Episcopal Center and discuss this! Thank you!
Alice Langham
3 years ago
The church is family. This concept requires celibate priests. An Episcopalian for 64 years and now as a Roman Catholic I no longer have to try to reconcile the protestant and catholic elements in Anglicanism. My children are converting. Pray for my husband to follow.
Sntiago .I
3 years ago
the lord's fold is becoming one. It is the work of the lord let us rejoice and be glad that the sons and daughters of catholic church have wandered away form the stem and now they have come back to the one.
Indira Rodrigo
3 years ago
Great news indeed! Does this mean that Canada (and the world) will soon see a Catholic Queen and thus a Catholic Royal Family?
Indira Rodrigo
3 years ago
Isn't this Oneness what Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ prayed to His Heavenly Father for in the Garden of Gethsemane? "That they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me."(John 17:21)? Welcome back brothers and sisters. Welcome back to the fold, where you always belonged. Welcome back into God the Father's One Big Family. Alleluia! Thank you for this homecoming O God of Love and of Miracles.
Jean
3 years ago
From Steven below: To your comment you may find your answer in the Bible and also look in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

There was a reason and forget what it was then as to why we have celibate priests now.

It is not dogma it is a discipline.

So check the Catechism See #1579 about Celibacy.

This may or may not give you an understanding to the discipline.

What a good achievement by the Catholic Church! The issue is: if the Church has accepted married Anglican clergy, why does she close her doors to optional celibacy? A big question.
Steven | 10/21/2009

God Bless. Peace.

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