At 6:25pm I felt a disturbance in the force.
GerardPaul, you asked on the progress of Anglicans coming into the Church. Short up to date. Yes gurney I can write short post or letters!
About1993’s a group of Anglicans, The Tradition Anglican Church, began asking Rome about coming home. 2007 their Bishops signed the Catholic Catechism and began teaching it to their people. Some Bishops did it better than others.
In Oct 2009 the Anglican Consitution was announced. Since then various groups of Anglicans have signaled to Rome they wanted to accept the Holy Father’s offer.
Each Anglican Jurisdiction is different in regards to canons and constitutions. Sometimes Dioceses within the Jurisdiction have differing canons and constitutions. Well, what do you expect from Anglicans…conformity?
Various groups have moved forward and the speed of the progress is based upon the canons etc. So to date this is what has happened.
Mar 3 The Anglican Bishops of the TAC in the States (called the ACA) met and asked the Ordinariate move forward here. Under their canons, each Diocese must meet in Synod to vote on the ordinariate. To date 3 of the 4 have. The last one is the Diocese of the Northeast. Only 1 of the 4 Bishops Ordinary have followed through with the promises made at Portsmouth, Consecration and the Mar 3 College of Bishops. The last Synod will be in September. As I understand it, only after this Synod can the process continue forward.
Canada. Synod 12-16 July. Voted overwhelming to join the Church. I think 2 lay delegates voted opposed. All clergy and Bishops approved. Unofficially, Rome has appointed a liaision, Cardinal Quelleot I believe from Quebec. He has worked with the Anglican Catholic Church Canada and has a very good working and personal relationship with her Bishops.
Australia. Synod 27-30 July. voted overwhelming to join the Church. I know Rome has appointed a Bishop to help them. I forgot his name. I believe he was a former Anglican.
Torres Strait (Pacific Ocean) last spring asked to be involved. Yet to have Synod. Expected to accept like Australia.
Puerto Rico…yes a few Anglicans there. Accpeted. Rumored they maybe the first ones over the bridged to Rome. Smaller groups and good working relationship with the Church.
India…waiting.
Church of England. Last Spring 3 CoE Bishops quietly went to Rome to begin talks. After the abandonment of Scripture and Tradition at the most recent Synod, interest has grown for the ordinariate. Contacts there have said nothing public will happen until after the Holy Father’s visit in September and the Forward in Faith Synod in October. Other issues with the CoE is it is an established Church. Not as easy to leave for clergy and laity. Like here in the US, it is expected the CoE will fight to keep property, pensions, priest’s homes etc. There is one group in England which is not part of the established Church and has already asked for the ordinariate.
On Romes side. The designation of Ordinaries and other issues will have to be met. Look for further movement in Canada and Australia.
At first the number of Anglicans will be small. Anglicans have been told time and time again by Bishops of the new next best thing. So it is a wait and see if this come to fruit.
Once the intial groups are in, set up and running more will come over. I have personally talked with many priests who are interested, but as we say in Alabama “gun shy”. Today I spoke with two priests, one in the Reformed Episcopal Church like myself and the other in the Anglica Catholic Church who are interested, but are waiting until it is setup.
to follow up with the process in the various parts of the world to to
www.theanglocatholic.com The majority of the posters here are Bishops, Priest and laity from around the world updating on the happenings in their area. You could find out if there are any parishes in your area. Sometimes, priests being priests, we start discussions on topics that will make your eyes glaze over. You can pick up some good infor. and links to other sites around the world of Anglicans coming or thinking of coming to Rome.
Hope that helps.
Mark+
ps. See Scott, I kept it short!
