Thank you very much for your substansive post. I’ve interspersed a few comments . . . please forgive me if the “quote” functions are goofed up – I’m still learning how they work!
Matt16_18:
Comparing the conversion of one Anglican priest who might have had valid orders to the mass conversion of an entire Protestant sect isn’t very useful.
I think that you would find that Dr. Leonard’s case was not a unique as one might think!
Matt16_18:
I understand that a handful of clergy within the TAC may have valid orders.
I think that you will find more than a handful!
Matt16_18:
When Anglican priests desire to become Catholic priests, Rome does a case by case investigation into the validity of their orders. Cardinal Ratzinger was responsible for those investigations.
I am familiar with the process, having had several friends go through it. Indeed, I have a copy of the requirement package before me as I type. I believe that the Congregation for Priests has some (name removed by moderator)ut as well. The dossier prepared on each candidate is quite extensive. One of the requirements is evidence of ordination and the Apostolic Succession of the ordaining Episcopal bishop. Why? Because PNCC bishops regularly participated in ECUSA consecrations for a period of about 75 years, until the 1970’s when ECUSA began ordaining women.
Matt16_18:
Even if there are a few priests within the TAC with valid orders, that doesn’t change the fact that the TAC is essentially a Protestant denomination that cannot be compared to the PNCC or the Eastern Orthodox. If the TAC desired to come into full communion with the Catholic Church en masse, Rome would have to deal with the fact that they are dealing with the mass conversion of a large number of Protestants that need catechesis and the reception of all three Sacraments of Initiation. This is situation that is totally different than that of a schismatic local particular church with valid orders desiring full communion with the Catholic Church.
Several points here:
One: I think that you will discover, as I’ve suggested before, that the situation here involves many, many clergy with potentially valid orders – not one or two. This changes the dynamic significantly.
Two: I fully agree with you in regard to the essential Protestant nature of Anglicanism in general, and I fully accept as binding Apostolicae Curae. I suspect that many members of the TAC would as well. I don’t believe that this is the issue here.
Three: I agree that the magnitude of such a mass conversion would generate immense catechetical needs. The dynamics of working all this out would be complicated, to say the least!
Four: I disagree that all three sacraments of initiation would be required. Anglican baptisms are not problematic!
I guess what I’m trying to say is, is that unlike any other Anglican case with which I’m familiar – and I’m familiar with many, the TAC seems willing to literally lay everything aside for the sake of unity with Rome. When he was head of CDF, Cardinal Ratzinger worked with this group for some time – and now that he is Pope, the process seems to be picking up steam. Only time will tell.
Many blessings.
