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Many commentators approach high level ecumenical talks with the mindset of trying to get the other side to cave in on something that they deem important. For example, some commentators say that the TAC will have to "cave in" on this or Rome will have to "cave in" on that in order to move forward. That's like approaching a business deal with the mindset of "either I screw him or he screws me". Such an approach dooms the entire effort to failure.

Rather, the ultimate goal must be understood and agreed to by both sides before serious discussions begin. When the goal is known, then the sides can work together on making it a possibility. For example, if the goal is to create an Anglican Rite ecclesiastical structure in communion with Rome, then is a celibate episcopacy absolutely necessary? Can Rome be in communion with a church that has married bishops the same way she is in communion with a church that has married priests?

Dear bobjam,

"Can Rome be in communion with a church that has married bishops the same way she is in communion with a church that has married priests?"

I don't believe that Pope Benedict would accept communion with a group that would permit married bishops.

sitetest

"For example, if the goal is to create an Anglican Rite ecclesiastical structure in communion with Rome, then is a celibate episcopacy absolutely necessary? Can Rome be in communion with a church that has married bishops the same way she is in communion with a church that has married priests?"

I think there is zero likelihood of Rome agreeing to married bishops in any Rite in the Catholic Church. It contradicts a discipline dating to the earliest days of the church. Clement was probably the last Roman Bishop to be married. A married episcopacy would cause serious problems not merely within the western tradition of the Catholic Church but also it would seriously harm efforts at reunification with the Orthodox. There is a remote possibility of Rome granting a one time only dispensation to the current generation of bishops in the TAC. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that a married clergy may be allowed. But the day Rome allows married bishops in any Rite is the day that I will become an Atlanta Braves fan (thats Apostasy in baseball).

For example, if the goal is to create an Anglican Rite ecclesiastical structure in communion with Rome, then is a celibate episcopacy absolutely necessary? Can Rome be in communion with a church that has married bishops the same way she is in communion with a church that has married priests?

IMO, a married episcopate is out of the question, at minimum because it would scandalize the Orthodox and open a further breach between them and us. (If it happened at all, it would be in exceptional cases or as a transitional measure, but I don't think that's even possible.)

A married parish priesthood is completely do-able, but of course if most parish priests are married and all bishops are celibate, you have the additional problem of where to find bishops.