According to the Dallas News, a group of Episcopal priests from Fort Worth paid a visit to Catholic Bishop Kevin Vann earlier this summer, asking for guidance on how their diocese might come into “full communion” with the Catholic Church.
The Rev. William Crary, senior rector of the Fort Worth diocese, confirmed that on June 16 he and three other priests met with Bishop Vann, leader of the Fort Worth Catholic diocese, and presented him a document that is highly critical of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
The document states that the overwhelming majority of Episcopal clergy in the Fort Worth diocese favor pursuing an “active plan” to bring the diocese into full communion with the Catholic Church.
While declining to specify what that might mean, Mr. Crary said it likely would not mean “absorption” by the Catholic Church…
“There’s a very serious attempt on the part of Episcopal clergy in the Diocese of Forth Worth to petition Rome for some kind of recognition,” said the Rev. Courtland Moore, who is retired as rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Arlington.
“They make it clear that they no longer believe there is truth in the Anglican Communion, and the only way they can find truth is reunion with Rome.”
We’re starting to see stories like this more often. We should all pray for a pleasing resolution for all involved.
August 12, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Before disturbing Henricus VIII from his undoubtedly troubled slumbers, this reply from the episcopal bishop of Fort Worth might clarify matters:
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/15383/
Although I pray for Anglicans to find their way to Holy Church, I am not sanguine that many of the rank-and-file are as “catholic” as it might first appear. If one reads the so-called anglo-catholic blogs, one often finds “I” mentioned far more frequently than “the Church”. In other words, at their core, many of these folks are high church congregationalists rather than Catholic (in the capital C sense). My prediction is that, when push comes to shove, these folks will not surrender the priority of private judgment over the teaching magisterium of the Roman Pontiff. I would rejoice, however, to see this proved a false prognostication.
August 12, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Yes, anonymous, and how, exactly, would Anglicans who “will not surrender the priority of private judgement over the teaching magisterium of the Roman Pontiff” be distinguished from roughly 80% of practicing American Catholics. Unlike the typical Catholic, they might actually insist on reverence during Holy Mass…and hey, they seem to be in line with Holy Mother Church on homosexuality and priestesses, so they are already more Catholic than your typical liberal Catholic…I say a big WELCOME to them!
Kate
August 13, 2008 at 12:06 am
I’m a member of the Ft. Worth diocese, and a big fan of Bishop Vann. I’m sure he will handle it well. Also, I’ve seen some of the beautiful Episcopal churches in the area and would love to worship there someday. Far more attractive than some of the ugly Catholic buildings around.
Also, a small correction it’s the Dallas *Morning* News. Not that I ever read that rag.
August 13, 2008 at 1:23 am
Kate,
I fail to see how the fact that there are lukewarm; heterodox; and downright heretical self-proclaimed Catholics has any relevance to my post (other than to make the contrary point, that dissident "Catholics" such as womynchurch and We Are Church ought to have the integrity to leave a Church in which they no longer believe).
The issue I raised is about why certain Anglicans hold positions coincident with the Catholic Church: perusal of the Anglican blogs suggests that for many (pro multis – not for all!) the matter comes down to scripture proofs – e.g. WO is contrary to scripture. The same person, who welcomes the Catholic Church teaching on WO (or homosexual unions) as it provides ammunition against what they term "reappraisers", can be vigorously against Papal Infallability; Mary's perpetual virginity or assumption; purgatory; etc. because *they* don't believe those doctrines can be "proved" by scripture. Read the debates at Standfirm or Kendallharmon or Virtueonline.
Thus, might a devout Catholic have some more superficial agreement with an AC episcopalian that with a supporter of womynpriests? Of course. But that does not make the Anglican a Catholic.
This sort of Anglican is a type of protestant in catholic clothing, picking and choosing what doctrines & teachings work for them. Search Father Al Kimmel's writings on this topic or, for that matter, John Henry Newman's Anglican Difficulties.
The one and only reason why any Anglican – or anyone else for that matter – should convert or remain Catholic is that they believe everything that the Church teaches & claims about itself as being true and definitive (c.f. Lumen Gentium)
The TAC bishops, otoh, have signed the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Whilst this cannot in and of itself be a sufficient doctrinal affirmation or Act of Faith, it is far more of a significant action than has been seen from most AC episcopalians and from the Church of England.
So yes, Kate, let us welcome those pilgrims who want to accept the Catholic Faith in its entirety. Let us not give a false welcome to those who flee in search of someone with whom to agree against an interlocutor. This does no one good in the end.
August 13, 2008 at 7:22 am
Let them come home to Rome. Insist on appropriate catechesis. In making the Profession of Faith all are called to BELIEVE AND LIVE WITHOUT COMPROMISE ALL THAT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHES.
Just because some or even many Catholics are not living the Faith does not diminish the truth of the Catholic Faith. In the event they do convert, these people will likely be grateful for the refuge given them and live out that gratitude by being faithful Catholics. Their witness may shake up the complacent.
The cause of unity will not be served if the Truth is not upheld, and the Truth of the Catholic Faith is exactly “what” these and all people are looking: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8.
August 13, 2008 at 1:51 pm
A major issue in this is the validity of many of the marriages among the Anglican converts, as there are no doubt some who are in subsequent marriages. It would be difficult to simply convert them as a block because of this.
August 14, 2008 at 2:19 am
Every time this dicussion comes up, I say the same thing. If they want to convert, they can convert already. They don’t have to wait for any special program or amnesty or whatever. Jesus said the he who put his hand to the plow but looked back was not fit for the kingdom. I’m not judging the Anglicans final status, but I am saying that if they are waiting because their church is prettier or their prayers are more poetic, than they truly aren’t ready to jump the tiber.
August 14, 2008 at 4:57 am
Sally, cut them some slack. Many have been in ministry in the Episcopal church for a long time, and wouldn’t want/wouldn’t be able to make any kind of lateral move, so there’s all kinds of considerations…how will I support my family, what else am I trained for, etc. Not to mention that they may be working through things like irregular marriages a bit ahead of time.
August 14, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Lori, I am talking about ordinary Anglicans, not the priests and Bishops. I do understand their issue about finding work–especially since most of them have families to support. However, here in No Va we have plenty of “traditional” Anglicans who say they want to convert, but they aren’t ready to go anywhere without their pretty church building which is owned by the congregation, not the Vicar.