Oh I am feeling so squeezed!

[Usbek_de_Perse]

I am an Episcopalian who is becoming increasingly conservative in my reading of scripture, and as I posted some months ago, I just don’t see any way that “gay marriage” can be justified in scripture or tradition.

OK. The Episcopal Church is getting increasingly liberal, having thrown off any caution regarding consecration of bishops in same-sex relationships.

Now, the alternative is several small groups of conservative Anglicans who seem to all disagree with each other regarding this or that doctrinal issue. I don’t see joining a small dissident group. My principle is “less schism is better than more schism” and probably “no schism is better than any schism”.

So, we now have the prospect of Roman Catholic personal ordinariates for Anglican Use Catholics. This is very attractive, but I don’t want to simply become Roman Catholic because I have nowhere else to go. And at this point, frankly, the Roman church has not been doing its best to appear like the exclusive church Jesus founded.

So, here am I, typing these words, squeezed without a place to go. Argh!

 

[CSJ]

I am an Episcopalian who is becoming increasingly conservative in my reading of scripture, and as I posted some months ago, I just don’t see any way that “gay marriage” can be justified in scripture or tradition.

OK. The Episcopal Church is getting increasingly liberal, having thrown off any caution regarding consecration of bishops in same-sex relationships.

Now, the alternative is several small groups of conservative Anglicans who seem to all disagree with each other regarding this or that doctrinal issue. I don’t see joining a small dissident group. My principle is “less schism is better than more schism” and probably “no schism is better than any schism”.

So, we now have the prospect of Roman Catholic personal ordinariates for Anglican Use Catholics. This is very attractive, but I don’t want to simply become Roman Catholic because I have nowhere else to go. And at this point, frankly, the Roman church has not been doing its best to appear like the exclusive church Jesus founded.

So, here am I, typing these words, squeezed without a place to go. Argh!

It appears that the Holy Spirit is guiding your conscience - and this is a gift. I came from a non-Catholic background as well and I never imagined that I would become Catholic. Nonetheless, as you have already said, the Catholic Church has been unwavering in it’s stand on faith and morality since Christ founded it.

It is clear that you are seeking the Truth that Christ taught - it is unchanging and timeless. In your case, as in all others, it is not that the Catholic Church is your last option, it is the fact that all others are forsaking Truth in exchange for society’s whims and relativism. Relativism and political correctedness have become the order of the day - all in the name of tolerance and inclusiveness.

Truth is your only option. The Roman Catholic Church has been entrusted with and guards this Truth. Despite the atrocious behavior of a small number of it’s clergy and members, the faithful Church militant have remained vigilant. Christ remains faithful to His promise despite our own personal failures. This is not to make light of the crimes committed, but mark my words, the guilty will answer to God. This includes all of us.

I would recommend looking at attending an RCIA program in your local Catholic parish and seeing what she teaches. This website is also a great source of information for your journey. God Bless, and you will be in my prayers.

CSJ

 

[Nita]

How much do you know about what the Catholic Church teaches? I would suggest you get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Start at the beginning, take your time and read straight through it – at least through Part I and Part II. It’s beautiful, and I think, easy to read. You might discover you aren’t as “squeezed” as you thought.

And at this point, frankly, the Roman church has not been doing its best to appear like the exclusive church Jesus founded.

Are you referring to the sex scandals? If so, yes, they are sad – and an embarassment to the Church. But the Church will never be filled with perfect people here on earth.

 

[Soldier_X]

I am an Episcopalian who is becoming increasingly conservative in my reading of scripture, and as I posted some months ago, I just don’t see any way that “gay marriage” can be justified in scripture or tradition.

OK. The Episcopal Church is getting increasingly liberal, having thrown off any caution regarding consecration of bishops in same-sex relationships.

Now, the alternative is several small groups of conservative Anglicans who seem to all disagree with each other regarding this or that doctrinal issue. I don’t see joining a small dissident group. My principle is “less schism is better than more schism” and probably “no schism is better than any schism”.

So, we now have the prospect of Roman Catholic personal ordinariates for Anglican Use Catholics. This is very attractive, but I don’t want to simply become Roman Catholic because I have nowhere else to go. And at this point, frankly, the Roman church has not been doing its best to appear like the exclusive church Jesus founded.

So, here am I, typing these words, squeezed without a place to go. Argh!

I’m in exactly the same boat, brother. All of us who have loved (or at least sorta liked) the Episcopal Church need all kinds of prayer right now. I can’t go back in good conscience, but the local Anglicans are basically like Assembly of God churches with albs. Totally agree about schism too…this is a situation that none of us should ever have had to face, but here we are. Hmm…

 

[Contarini]

I am an Episcopalian who is becoming increasingly conservative in my reading of scripture, and as I posted some months ago, I just don’t see any way that “gay marriage” can be justified in scripture or tradition.

OK. The Episcopal Church is getting increasingly liberal, having thrown off any caution regarding consecration of bishops in same-sex relationships.

Now, the alternative is several small groups of conservative Anglicans who seem to all disagree with each other regarding this or that doctrinal issue. I don’t see joining a small dissident group. My principle is “less schism is better than more schism” and probably “no schism is better than any schism”.

So, we now have the prospect of Roman Catholic personal ordinariates for Anglican Use Catholics. This is very attractive, but I don’t want to simply become Roman Catholic because I have nowhere else to go. And at this point, frankly, the Roman church has not been doing its best to appear like the exclusive church Jesus founded.

So, here am I, typing these words, squeezed without a place to go. Argh!

You don’t mention the Orthodox as a possibility. Why not?

I have been taking them more seriously recently (not for the first time, but by and large I have tended to assume that if I became one or the other it should be Catholic).

As a matter of fact, there are technically three different Eastern Communions not united to Rome!

From my perspective, the problem isn’t that there is nowhere to go but that there are too many places to go!

Edwin

 

[the_phoenix]

Where does God want you to go?

 

[Usbek_de_Perse]

Actually, I am fairly sure I know far more about RC theology and teachings than the average Catholic in the pews. I am catholic in the sense that I take much of my faith and practice from high Anglican and RC sources. I read the RC breviary nearly every day for at least one office.

I just don’t want to be pushed into the RCC because it is the only option in terms of Anglican “style” churches. If I come in, I want it to be because I believe in its claims. I have a hard time with a church that can’t come to grips with its own probelms. The sex scandals are not the problem, it is the Church’s determined efforts to blow every chance at setting the matter straight.

I want to believe the RCC is the authentically chartered church that Christ founded. I’m just not seeing it that way right now.

How much do you know about what the Catholic Church teaches? I would suggest you get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Start at the beginning, take your time and read straight through it – at least through Part I and Part II. It’s beautiful, and I think, easy to read. You might discover you aren’t as “squeezed” as you thought.

Are you referring to the sex scandals? If so, yes, they are sad – and an embarassment to the Church. But the Church will never be filled with perfect people here on earth.

 

[Usbek_de_Perse]

If I knew, I’d probably do an Augustine and rebel for a while. Maybe that’s what I am doing. Oh St. Monica, pray for your wayward sons!

Where does God want you to go?

 

[mark_a]

but I don’t want to simply become Roman Catholic because I have nowhere else to go.

That’s really a pretty good reason.

 

[masuwerte]

I just don’t want to be pushed into the RCC because it is the only option in terms of Anglican “style” churches. If I come in, I want it to be because I believe in its claims.

Good. If (and only if) you come to believe in its claims, you should become Catholic.

 

[masuwerte]

I read the RC breviary nearly every day for at least one office.

Do you ever pray the Great Litany? Or Daily Morning (or Evening) Prayer?

 

[jmcrae]

I don’t want to simply become Roman Catholic because I have nowhere else to go.

That’s really a pretty good reason.

“To whom would we go, Lord? For you alone have the words of eternal life.”

 

[Mikeoffaith]

I am an Episcopalian who is becoming increasingly conservative in my reading of scripture, and as I posted some months ago, I just don’t see any way that “gay marriage” can be justified in scripture or tradition.

OK. The Episcopal Church is getting increasingly liberal, having thrown off any caution regarding consecration of bishops in same-sex relationships.

Now, the alternative is several small groups of conservative Anglicans who seem to all disagree with each other regarding this or that doctrinal issue. I don’t see joining a small dissident group. My principle is “less schism is better than more schism” and probably “no schism is better than any schism”.

So, we now have the prospect of Roman Catholic personal ordinariates for Anglican Use Catholics. This is very attractive, but I don’t want to simply become Roman Catholic because I have nowhere else to go. And at this point, frankly, the Roman church has not been doing its best to appear like the exclusive church Jesus founded.

So, here am I, typing these words, squeezed without a place to go. Argh!

I have 4 words for you. Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. You won’t find any of those queers there and none of those funny women priests either.

 

[Padrej]

Actually, I am fairly sure I know far more about RC theology and teachings than the average Catholic in the pews. I am catholic in the sense that I take much of my faith and practice from high Anglican and RC sources. I read the RC breviary nearly every day for at least one office.

I just don’t want to be pushed into the RCC because it is the only option in terms of Anglican “style” churches. If I come in, I want it to be because I believe in its claims. I have a hard time with a church that can’t come to grips with its own probelms. The sex scandals are not the problem, it is the Church’s determined efforts to blow every chance at setting the matter straight.

I want to believe the RCC is the authentically chartered church that Christ founded. I’m just not seeing it that way right now.

I feel your pain not only as someone who was in your shoes, but someone who was seeking Holy Orders many years ago in the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware and was refused on the basis of not being female, black or homosexual. I am now one of those conservative Anglicans that you and others like to refer to as being a “schismatic.” By definition, in order to be thus you would have to be doing something that is breaking away from sacred tradition or going into outright apostasy. When it was explained to me that way, I saw that it was those who were pointing the fingers within the Episcopal church at the conservatives and Bibles believers who were the true schismatics.

I am now ordained in one of those groups and very happy. You must know that there are NO perfect churches or else none of us could belong. We only have a perfect savior. What it boils down to is that only YOU with the guidance of the Holy Spirit can make this decision. I wish I could make it for you. whatever you choose, God will be in it.

 

[wmscott]

I have 4 words for you. Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. You won’t find any of those queers there and none of those funny women priests either.

Now, now, Mike lets be a little more Charitable. Folks that are looking for guidance do not need this kind of response. Peace

 

[wmscott]

I am an Episcopalian who is becoming increasingly conservative in my reading of scripture, and as I posted some months ago, I just don’t see any way that “gay marriage” can be justified in scripture or tradition.

OK. The Episcopal Church is getting increasingly liberal, having thrown off any caution regarding consecration of bishops in same-sex relationships.

Now, the alternative is several small groups of conservative Anglicans who seem to all disagree with each other regarding this or that doctrinal issue. I don’t see joining a small dissident group. My principle is “less schism is better than more schism” and probably “no schism is better than any schism”.

So, we now have the prospect of Roman Catholic personal ordinariates for Anglican Use Catholics. This is very attractive, but I don’t want to simply become Roman Catholic because I have nowhere else to go. And at this point, frankly, the Roman church has not been doing its best to appear like the exclusive church Jesus founded.

So, here am I, typing these words, squeezed without a place to go. Argh!

My advise, as humble as it may be, is to Pray, Pray and Pray some more. let the Holy Spirit lead to where He wants you. If it is the CC, Anglican, Lutheran, or wherever. Just trust in God to lead you where you need to be. I am sure it will come to you at the right time. Peace.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Great advice and wonderful sentiments, wm!

My advise, as humble as it may be, is to Pray, Pray and Pray some more. let the Holy Spirit lead to where He wants you. If it is the CC, Anglican, Lutheran, or wherever. Just trust in God to lead you where you need to be. I am sure it will come to you at the right time. Peace.

 

[StrawberryJam]

I wish you the best in your struggle to find your place. I offer no advice, just support you in this time where you need to find a place, and breathe.

The fact that you are always challenging yourself to find what you seek is very inspirational to me personally.

I thank you for that effort, which I know is not an easy path to embark on.

SJ

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Feeling caught between Anglicanism and Catholicism, familiar territory for yours truly! I truly, as Bill Clinton might say, “feel your pain!!” God bless you in your journey, may He bless both of us! This road isn’t easy…

 

[eucharisteo]

Actually, I am fairly sure I know far more about RC theology and teachings than the average Catholic in the pews. I am catholic in the sense that I take much of my faith and practice from high Anglican and RC sources. I read the RC breviary nearly every day for at least one office.

I just don’t want to be pushed into the RCC because it is the only option in terms of Anglican “style” churches. If I come in, I want it to be because I believe in its claims. I have a hard time with a church that can’t come to grips with its own probelms. The sex scandals are not the problem, it is the Church’s determined efforts to blow every chance at setting the matter straight.

I want to believe the RCC is the authentically chartered church that Christ founded. I’m just not seeing it that way right now.

I strongly recommend that you search long and hard. For me it was not the sins of the Church but the realization that the actual teaching, not the example is what brought me home to the Catholic Church. If you’re looking for a perfect church then you’re going to be a very lonely guy. The church is full of sinners. Remember what the apostles did to Jesus. They argued with each other and yet they managed to fulfill the great commandment. I’ll be praying for you. In my journey I seriously considered the Orthodox Church. I’m sure that your traditions may be an impediment for you.

Padrej is absolutely correct, as if he or you need to hear it. This journey is yours.

Pax