Anglicans Vote to Ordain Women Bishops. Canterbury Trail Leading to Rome?

By Deacon Keith A. Fournier
7/13/2010
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Anglicans coming into full communion with the Catholic Church will be a resource for this new missionary age

What brought the Anglican Communion to this insurmountable division is as fundamental a theological issue as one can imagine; the structure, nature, mission and purpose of the Church. It is no accident that this historic vote occurred right before the Vicar of Christ, the successor of Peter, travels to the United Kingdom where he will beatify the great witness of the Catholic vision of the Church, the late John Henry Cardinal Newman. In fact, it is prophetic.

On Monday, July 11, 2010, the last effort at a compromise move proposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, failed. The national assembly voted to ordain women as Bishops in the Anglican Church.

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LONDON (Catholic Online) - On Monday, July 11, 2010, the last effort at a compromise move proposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, failed. The national assembly voted to ordain women as Bishops in the Anglican Church. During the weekend leading up to this historic vote, 70 members of the Clergy met in Leicester, central England with Catholic Bishop Malcolm McMahon of Nottingham.

They discussed coming into full communion with the Catholic Church. Some Press reports present the dispute as "traditionalists" vs. the "enlightened". In reality it is a division between those who want to move away from Christian orthodoxy and orthopraxy and those who seek to be faithful to the historic Christian faith handed down to us from the Apostles.

In truth, what brought the Anglican Communion to this insurmountable division is as fundamental a theological issue as one can imagine; the structure, nature, mission and purpose of the Church. In his typical manner, Damien Thompson of the Telegraph described it quite clearly, " Tonight the Church of England finally acknowledged something that has been obvious since 1992, when it decided to ordain women priests: that it remains, despite the Oxford Movement, and as John Henry Newman came to believe very firmly, a Protestant Church."

However, there are many within the Anglican Communion who held onto a very different vision, a catholic ecclesial vision. Now, the question is where will the Canterbury trail lead? I have followed the movement of Anglican Clergy and lay faithful toward the safe harbor that is found in the Bark of Peter. I grieved along with many of them as their own Christian community was torn asunder by the rejection of both orthodoxy and orthopraxy. I grieve with them today in the aftermath of this vote. However, I am also filled great hope and anticipation.

I followed the formal request of the Traditional Anglican Communion for full communion with the Catholic Church from the very beginning. I persisted in covering it after many news sources, including Catholic ones, dismissed the possibility that it would ever bring a positive response from Rome. Now, those who doubted the possibilities it presented know that it received more than a favorable response; it opened up the front door of the House.

The coming influx of faithful, orthodox Anglican Christians into the full communion of the Catholic Church is a gift for the Catholic Church. I believe it is no accident that this historic vote occurred right before the Vicar of Christ, the successor of Peter, travels to the United Kingdom where he will beatify the great witness of the Catholic vision of the Church, the late John Henry Cardinal Newman. In fact, it is prophetic.

Anglicans coming into full communion with the Catholic Church will be a resource for this new missionary age. They will be leaven for the Catholic Church. They will call us to be more faithful to our Catholic identity - in its fullness of expression - and truly begin to live our mission. They will help us rediscover the legitimate diversity within the bedrock unity we have in fidelity to the Magisterium, the teaching office, of the Catholic Church. We are a Church with many beautiful liturgical expressions. What will emerge for these Anglican Christians who come home, in their unique liturgical expression, will be one more gem in the crown of liturgical expressions within the one Church of Christ.

Many Catholics do not even know of the existence of differing liturgies within the One Catholic Church. As a Deacon, I have the privilege of serving at "Mass" (both Novus Ordo and extraordinary form) of the Western Rite. I also have permission to serve the beautiful "Divine Liturgy" of the Eastern or "Byzantine" Church. I love them all. Many Catholics do not even know there are "Eastern" or "Byzantine" Catholics. They also do not know of our full recognition of the Orthodox Church and the historic movement toward the healing between Eastern and Western Christianity currently underway.

The Apostolic Constitution for Anglicans seeking full communion (Anglicanorum Coetibus) and the norms which accompany it form a juridic structure which will integrate our brethren into full and visible unity with the One Catholic Church while maintaining elements which reflect their Anglican patrimony. It will dramatically affect the ecclesial landscape of our Church going forward. The coming reunion of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, breathing with both lungs, East and West, is the only real hope for a Western culture ravaged by neo-paganism.

In the midst of the darkness of this hour the Catholic Church is doing what she has done for over two millennia; shine the light of the Truth. The "Dictatorship of Relativism" has been engaged by the faithful followers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The ...

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17 Comments

terry paul
August 10th, 2010 9:30 am
You sure this "article" was written by a Roman Catholic? The Ones who proclaim we are all made in the image and likeness of God. The Ones who proclaims we were made to love and serve God on this earth. The Ones who proclaim God is love. Wow!!! The Catholic Church is sacred of letting woman into the episcopal role? To blame the Holy Spirit for that position. Wow!! Might that be heresy? One human person made that decision and hopefully God is giving him an earful.
Tim
August 6th, 2010 1:07 pm
"Revolution," conveys the wrong idea. Our Lord's doctrine is radical, but I think because it is contrary to the natural and carnal man, which men often love "revolution," and often impose their "revolutions" (such as relativism, which you correctly called a "Dictatorship") to the detriment of Christianity or Christian wisdom ; in fact, revolution is often code for casting off the Church's teaching, and flying to the ideological comforts of some ficticious Utopia. "Radical change" is perhaps a better term, as all truth demands conformity to it ; for example, a child that imagines he is impervious is "radically changed" when he touches a hot stove top, contrary to his mother's warnings and command. The pain signifies his vulnerability, and henceforth he learns (if he has any sense about him) to listen to his mother's command, which he now knows is meant not to tyrannize him, but rather lovingly spare him from such needless pains. Christ's teachings and commands appear tyrannical to many ; however, the pain experienced from the errors of the "neo-paganism" that you refered to cries out for a "radical change," and this pain is experienced amidst our "revolutionary" societies. Pax, Tim
Krysia
August 6th, 2010 11:36 am
I remain puzzled as to why, in the interest of unification, the Catholic Church is eager to welcome married Christian priests into the Roman Catholic Church, yet forbids this same source of grace to their own priests. Obviously, the church has no problem with having non-celibate priests, but rather it has a problem with those who were born Cartholic. Small wonder priestly vocations are dropping off.
TaylorKH
July 16th, 2010 8:33 am
Prophetic: The Pope opens the door; the sheep herder of the guests outside of the door scares the guests with a strange practice; the guests hurry into the Church for the protection of Truth which provide rests for the obedient and humble children.
David N.
July 15th, 2010 6:51 am
I want to address two comments. First, the historical reason why roman catholics didn't/don't know about the Eastern Orthodox Church is because for many years the roman catholic parochial schools didn't teach it to the students. Question remains, how could the original church of the East get deleted or overlooked by their schools? Secondly, to address anthony UK's post. Sure a coming together would be good but it will never happen until the western churches renounce centuries of revisionism. If a Christian studies his Church history from objective sources than my words not fall on deaf ears. History is clear that the early Church wasn't about Rome only. Any one who has studied this history knows that the early Church had FIVE Patriarchal seats (Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem and Rome). Four in the East and one in the West, and of course this was made self evident at the Council of Nicea 325. Church was collegiate and not about only partriarchal seat only.
vance
July 14th, 2010 11:13 am
I say Welcome Home to all protestants who have been touched by the Holy Spirit to come back to Holy Mother Church. I hope that any reunifications will not come at the expense of compromising Catholic beliefs and traditions. The ordination of women to the office of Bishop flies in the face of our Holy Father's visit to the UK.
Dismas
July 14th, 2010 4:13 am
In an era where Christianity has been under such great attack and so influenced by heretical modernism, secular humanism and moral relativism, few things have given me so such hope regarding true Ecumenism and Christian reunification as this article has. It is my greatest hope and I will continue to pray daily that this paradox of evil continues to be turned into one the greatest triumphs for Christianity in this century.
pete salveinini
July 13th, 2010 11:59 am
Yes, Prophetic, indeed, the fulfillment of several prophcies from the past are beginning, and the beatification of Newman may just hurry it along. "under one Elizabeth England was taken from the Church; under a Second Elizabeth, England will return to the Church"!
Kevin
July 13th, 2010 11:31 am
Exciting news! It's a pity, however, that the "Print" link prints only what's on the web page instead of the whole article.
Lawrence
July 13th, 2010 11:22 am
What i would like to inform the readers about is this,this mrlacle is not being done by the Pope but it`s by the Holy Spirit that guides the Catholic church. It`s the Holy Spirit that is bringing those Brothers and Sisters back to the Universal church. I have hope and i will continue praying that one time that the entire world will join the Universal church. Let`s keep pryaying for our mother church and those who wish to join to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Long live the Holy Father.
Apollo F. Salle
July 13th, 2010 9:49 am
12 years before Lourdes, Our Lady appeared to 2 cowherds Melanie and Maximin in the small French village of La Salette. To each she entrusted a secret, which came to be known as the "Secret of Melanie" and the "Secret of Maximin". Those 2 La Salette "Secrets" have long since been supposedly revealed, and in the alleged (and I emphasize the word "alleged") text of the "Secret of Maximin" contains this rather interesting prophecy: "A Protestant country in the north will return to the Catholic fold." When I first read this, for some unknown reason, I immediately thought of Great Britain (or, at least, England). Assuming that the widely-circulated "Secret of Maximin" is indeed the real thing, are we witnessing the beginnings of the fulfillment of this particular La Salette prophecy? Judging by how the (alleged) prophecy is phrased, it can be said that the return of "merrie olde England" to the Catholic Faith is already a done deal. As I have said many times in the past, I can just hear Queen Mary saying "Hah!" to her father and her sister!
Julia
July 13th, 2010 6:42 am
As an ordinary RC christian, I welcome the return to unity of all christians. After all Jesus the Christ founded only one church under St Peter. All the later splinters for reasons known to individuals and or societies in the past only wonded Christs mystical body, and showed that men are not capable of unity and loving each other in obedience to Heavenly Fathers Command to love one another as He loves us. I am concerned though that a block move by Anglican clergy smacks of politics. I believe each conversion should be individual and sincere, As it is, it just appears to be a form of 'protest'. Surely that is the type of decision that started the 'protestant' churches in the first place. Will these people bring with them a hidden mentality to jump ship if things don't go their way, or stand and fight the good fight if the going gets though once they are united with Rome. I am also concerned if Rome will be held responsible for the non catholic clergy who may also have scandals from the abuse problem still kept in the dark. May God help and direct us all. Dear Anglican brethern, I love and welcome you, but need to express this secret concern.
SMurdolo
July 13th, 2010 6:41 am
I am moved by this heartfelt written article to pray that YES Lord, bring us together as one. As You are in the Father and the Father in You, please help us to join together with The Triune Godhead and each other. Help us put aside all the pain of division and join that we may proclaim that You, Jesus Christ is Lord. I also join in the prayer of commentor Reverend Robinson-Worley. Bring to fruition what Matthew 10:26-27 says: Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops." We pray to the Lord, LORD hear our prayer!
Diane
July 13th, 2010 4:44 am
This beautiful article touched my heart and caused me to reflect how merciful God is to us. The Holy Spirit is clearly working to unite many Christians. We are truly living in historic times. For many years I've prayed for the reunion of Christians and I have to say it's beautiful to watch God working. God bless Pope Benedict too.
anthony UK
July 13th, 2010 3:53 am
I am a 48 yr old Catholic living in the UK. My dearest wish is that all Christians; Catholic, Anglicans, Baptists, Eastern Orthodox etc will come together as one church under Rome. Christ told Peter he was the rock on which he would build His church. Say no more! Please God we will all get together as one as Christ our leader intended. God bless Anthony UK
Reverend Robinson-Worley
July 12th, 2010 8:12 pm
Oh for the "Day" when the various leaders of the different Classic Pentecostal American Denominations will not only meet annually in secret with their Roman Catholic counterparts, as they study the Holy Biblical Doctrines of the Church; But, rather, that the "Day" & "Hour" will arise, when they shall stand in open confession of all they have confessed in secret. Then, many millions of devout classic Pentecostals shall no longer hear a mixed message, but rather the truth: That their Leaders have secretly admitted that their tenants of faith actually stand in agreement with the doctrines of the Roman Church, including, concerning the various Charism Giftings of, by, and through the dunimos of the Holy Spirit. Then, no longer will their representatives to Rome be held in secret, but rather in open. Then, Saint John Chapter 17 can begin to become more greatly experienced.
jo
July 12th, 2010 7:17 pm
The vote to ordain women bishops come at a time when the church is reeling under pressure from all quarters.I cannot say it is a welcome sign, rather it would be an experiment and who are we to experiment with God.It is true that women by no means are second class individuals.The dignity and worth of women is symbolised in the respect that Catholics show towards Mary.But women priesthood or for that matter women bishops is far away from the vision of Jesus .Because in the life and practice of Jesus we do not find women being ordained.But the position enjoyed by women with Jesus was specially significant.Women were specially favoured by Jesus.But that does not mean that they should be entrusted with responsibilities for which they are not theologically capable in the sense that the image of God is one of predominantly male and woman was created after man.

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