Posted on 10/21/2009 12:13:24 PM PDT by Clint N. Suhks
The Vatican opened its doors on Tuesday to disgruntled members of the Anglican Communion seeking to become Roman Catholic after the American arm of the communion approved an openly gay bishop and same-sex unions.
Bully for those seeking entry into the Catholic Church. But what does it mean for ecumenical relations between American Catholics and Episcopalians who might view the gesture as poaching from Episcopal pews? And could it open a door for more married priests in the Catholic Church?
Rev. Thomas Baima, provost for Mundelein Seminary, pointed out that the Vatican was only responding to requests from estranged Anglicans and normalizing a practice that really has been going on for 35 years.
"If anything, the Catholic Church has moved very slowly in responding to that," he said. "It’s hard to call it sheep stealing or poaching when the initiative is on the other side. Individuals within churches make their own decisions that they have to move from one church to another. It’s them following their conscience and following the call of God of in their life. We have to respond."
In a statement, Cardinal Francis George said he doesn’t anticipate the agreement severing the longtime relationship between the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Episcopal Church.
"The Catholic Bishops of the United States remain committed to seeking deeper unity with the members of the Episcopal Church by means of theological dialogue and collaboration in activities that advance the mission of Christ and the welfare of society," he said in a statement.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsblogs.chicagotribune.com ...
the vat-i-can needs money and members. They’ll “invite” anybody who can pay, disgruntled or not.
Make Notre Dame, Boston College et al Anglican gay colleges.
I emailed the catholic parish of my son’s boy scout troop asking them to clarify. No word back yet. We could have converted to Catholic anytime so I don’t understand what the Vatican is asking us to do.
“the vat-i-can needs money and members. They’ll “invite” anybody who can pay, disgruntled or not.”
How come they don’t allow all the priestesses to come on over and set up shop then?
Freegards
You wrote:
“the vat-i-can needs money and members.”
Financially the Vatican is doing just fine as large organizations not interested in profit go.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vt.html
The Vatican also has no members. The Vatican has residents, even citizens, but no members. The Church, on the other hand, as hundreds of millions of members.
“They’ll “invite” anybody who can pay, disgruntled or not.”
and you’re proof for that is what exactly?
IMHO, their "balance sheets" have been checked and found wanting.
So they won’t invite jsut anybody who can pay? I mean, a heckuva lot of priestesses and their loopy congregations would love to genuinely call themselves Catholics, seems like a no brainer. Seems kinda strange for an outfit that needs money and members to exlude them.
Freegards
There already are married Catholic priests. If you mean priests who married after they were ordained, then no, won’t be happening.
Oh and ixnay to that whole priestesses thing.
*Make Notre Dame, Boston College et al Anglican gay colleges*
You haven’t or won’t read what this is about.
The Anglican or break away from Episcopal Church in America
is against gay and women priests. One reason for the break away in the first place.
For your information, the first time that the Traditional Anglican Communion asked to join the Catholic Church, the Vatican said NO.
I know that, I wasn’t the one who said they “invite anyone who can pay.” If that was the case, then the Church would have no problems with priestesses or openly gay bishops in “relationships” coming on over. Obviously the Church does have a problem with these things, and the consideration has nothing to do with whether priestesses or openly gay bishops can ‘pay’ or not. Is that clearer?
Freegards
**Will Vatican’s open arms for disgruntled Anglicans leave Episcopalians disgruntled too?**
Of course, even the low Episcopalians will be welcomed to the Catholic Church — although my guess is that they will have to take the RCIA classes.
But will that need to take the RICA apply also for those who are high Episcopalians?
This is something like welcoming the Ruthenians. You will get something like your own patriarch. I welcome this, because the Anglican liturgy, despite changes in the last eighty years, lacks the artificiality of our English language mass.
It seems to me that RICA is for individuals. My guess is that Rome would let the ordinariate take care of those details. The politique thing would have those in a congregation be confirmed by your own bishops, and allow some “opting-out” by enrolled parishioners who do nor wish to cross-over to Rome. Some of us “Latins” might be tempted to join your parishes.
I’m not THAT familiar with RCIA, but I would think the answer would still be a “Yes.” There are still differences that have to be learned about.
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