Ordinariates

Great news yesterday from Anna Arco in the Catholic Herald.  The leader of the Forward in Faith movement, a group of orthodox Anglicans, Bishop John Broadhurst, Bishop of Fulham, has announced that he is entering the Catholic Church; he hopes to be a member of the Ordinariate established by Pope Benedict XVI before the end of the year (his keynote address can be downloaded here).  According to Damien Thompson, this makes four Anglican bishops who are preparing to enter the Church.  This is wonderful news.  Bishop Broadhurst has been working for many years trying to find a solution to the problems posed within Anglicanism by recent innovations.  He will be an asset to the Church and will help many others who are discerning entering with his wisdom and example.  We must accompany him with our prayers. 

One question I am asking myself is: are these Anglicans converting?   Can we use that word, since many of them already accept most of the teachings of the Catholic faith (the primacy of the Pope may be a difficulty for some)? For many years they have believed in the Real Presence as the Catholic Church teaches, they love Our Lady with that gentle passion which is traditionally English and beautiful; they embrace the saints and venerate them as we do.  They love the liturgy and have been celebrating it in a "Roman manner" (if I can say that), and they have been deferential towards the Holy See, desiring union in their hearts for many years.  Ironically their faith has been more Catholic than some within the Church as it is.  But is this conversion?  I don't think so.  In official terms they are entering full communion with the Catholic Church and the successor of St Peter.  We could say they are coming home, or taking their rightful places in the family of the faith. 

I think Pope Benedict's visit to the UK has helped these Anglicans and convinced them of his sincerity and the warmth of the welcome he will give them.  Contrary to what the press maintains, Benedict is not poaching, but as a loving father opening the door even wider to help restore unity among Christians.  I also think Blessed John Henry is working in heaven and obtaining myriad graces for all concerned.

Whole Anglican parish in Kent also coming into the Church: see here.