I know that personal emotions or feelings are not proof, however, as a former Anglo Catholic who attended one of the very well known highest of the high Anglo Catholic parishes around, I always knew that when I was asked are you Catholic and I would say “yes”, of course thinking I really needed to explain it, that I way not being truthful.
Our parish was more Catholic in the sense of the way the Mass was celebrated, all the kneeling, genuflecting, beautiful vestments etc. that even Catholic seminarians would attend the Christmas midnight mass, even still I knew that I was part of the Episcopal church and that we were not Catholic.
Looking back on those years, yes most of the priests were sincere, however, I do believe that for some it was like playing house and that would make them Catholic.
If someone wants to claim to be Catholic then why not become part of the One, Holy, Apostolic, Catholic Church, that until the last 50 years or so everyone believed it was the only Catholic Church.
I don’t really understand what seems to be such a strong desire by many to be considered Catholic and not just be proud of whatever denomination they belong to.
Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Bernadette