Open the Doors for Christ!

I'm sure many of you are following with interest the deliberations that are going on within the Anglo-Catholic group in the Anglican Church.  The ordination of women and openly gay individuals has plunged Anglicanism in to a crisis which, I think, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is unable to solve.  He is trying to be "all things to all Anglicans", but given the wide doctrinal and moral diversity that is becoming more difficult and the old reliable, the Anglican Fudge, is not really working anymore.  Pope Benedict's Anglicanorum coetibus, allowing the foundation of Personal Ordinariates to cater for defecting Anglicans, has put the cat among the pigeons. 

In his speech to the bishops of Great Britain at Oscott College on the last day of his visit to the UK, Pope Benedict asked the bishops to focus on two priorities: the implementation of the new translation of the Missal, and whole heartily supporting the foundation of the Ordinariates, and seeing them as prophetic.   As we all know, that would have filled some of their Lordships with horror - the more liberal among them are trying to ignore these developments, now the Pope won't let them.   No sooner had the Holy Father left Britain, but those leading the Anglo-Catholic Anglicans called a meeting, and it seems they are preparing to convert.  Some commentators believe a statement is to be expected very soon, perhaps on the feast of Blessed John Henry Newman on the 9th October. 

Among them is the "flying bishop", Bishop Andrew Burnham, Bishop of Ebbsfleet.   I have to say that I am impressed with Bishop Burnham.  He is a man of conviction, who, like Blessed John Henry, has had a long journey in prayer, thought and faith to bring him to this moment in his life.  His journey was not just a personal one, but also a corporate one as he has had to make it keeping in mind his flock, their needs and where they are at the moment.  He has been a true pastor to them, leading them towards the truth as sensitively and lovingly as possible.  I think he will be a great asset to the Church when he comes in.   I think, if he appeals to Rome for ordination, he will be appointed an Ordinary, though only as a priest.  Bishop Burnham is married, so he cannot be ordained bishop while his wife lives. 

Bishop Andrew Burnham with two of his priests

We should pray for Bishop Burnham and his fellow pilgrims, that the Holy Spirit may be their guide and help at this time.  I was delighted when the Holy Father promulgated Anglicanorum coetibus, I believe it is the way forward in the path of unity.  I also believe it will help in the renewal of the Catholic Church as the former Anglicans will bring with them important aspects of liturgy and tradition which have been forgotten by many in the Church.  Given the diversity of rites and traditions in the Church, there is no problem accommodating the Anglican patrimony.  

I also think (I don't know whether I should say this or not) the new Ordinariates will provide alternative places of worship for Catholics who have to suffer the liturgical distortions and abuses which have become commonplace in the Church today.  While cradle Catholics cannot join the Ordinariates, we can attend Mass and the sacraments in the churches of  the Ordinariates, since we will all be the one Church (doesn't that sound great - we will be One!).   The priests and communities of the Ordinariates will be very faithful to the liturgy, as they are already proving to be even before they come.

That said: we Catholics must support them.  Their decision to come will cost them financially as much as anything else.  The bishops and priests who come will lose their livelihood, pensions and homes.  The communities will probably lose their churches, schools and other parochial properties.  They will be poor for a number of years and will need help as they get themselves established.  As their brothers and sisters in the faith we should not hesitate to give it!  Brother priests, let them use our churches, our halls.  If we have churches we are considering closing down, give them freely to the Ordinariates.  Most importantly, we must welcome them with open arms and seek to learn from them.  We must also understand that they come from a tradition that is different from ours and may not "fit in" with the way we have done things for the last century or so.   I suppose this will test us all, but I think if we remember that we are a Universal Church and not a parochial outfit jealous for our little piece of territory, then we will pass the test.  Time to open the doors for Christ.