I find that logic fascinating in that the Pope himself not too long back called the Orthodox “defective.” It reinforces my view that most Catholics in CAF are somehow intimidated or lacking a true understanding of what the Orthodox believe, and for some mysterious reason, pander to them and suck up. But when it comes to Protestants, it’s take no prisoners. Manny, not too long ago you were considering leaving Catholicism altogether, abandoning the papacy, and becoming an Orthodox yourself. Lately your posts all fight for the pope and Roman Catholicism with renewed hardcore zeal. A quick reversion.
Your logic is that the Orthodox, even thought they say that Catholic sacraments and priesthood is COMPLETELY INVALID and worthless, is ok!!? Why? Because they have apostolic succession and seven sacraments. The Orthodox by and large completely reject every belief you have about the papacy, infallibility, universal jurisdiction, and some western theology. They believe that your Eucharist on Sunday is empty bread and your priest has no more power to consecrate than the security guard at Walmart yet you are willing to appreciate them because you think they MIGHT come back “home” to Rome? Don’t hold your breath, brother. They show no signs of it; the only way Rome will tolerate them is if they accept infallibility of the pope, universal jurisdiction, and submit to the pope completely. It isn’t going to happen, probably not even in my grandkids’ lifetime!
On the other hand you have Lutherans and Anglicans who DO believe you have a valid priesthood and sacraments, they have more respect for your Church than the Orthodox do, and you completely cast them off and have admitted in other posts that you can’t stand protestant beliefs. I don’t expect you to accept Protestantism, but I do think it’s interesting that Anglicans accept and respect your validity in your religion, yet the group that utterly rejects it you accept because they are more “Catholicky” in their overall makeup…interesting. And I think your view on this is shared in CAF by many, for some reason.
You never know if LCMS Lutherans or Conservative Anglicans of ACNA, etc. might come back to Rome someday? If you predicate your acceptance on possible future reconciliation, you might want to keep your mind open to these folks as well?