We have the theory, but await the practice. The failure of “Rome” to inform the Archbishop of Canterbury until the last minute; the bypassing of the bishops’ conferences most affected by the proposal ”“ this is of a piece with the issuing, in 2007, of the apostolic letter Summorum Pontificum, encouraging general use of the unreformed Missal of 1962, in the teeth of a great deal of episcopal objection.
Why the announcement was made before the constitution was complete, I do not know. But, on the whole, it is not what is being done, but the manner in which it is being done, that is objectionable. A major structural innovation in Roman Catholicism is being introduced without consulting the bishops of the Catholic Church. According to the constitution, “Personal ordinariates for Anglicans entering into full communion with the Catholic Church are erected by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith within the confines of the territorial boundaries of a particular Conference of Bishops in consultation with that same conference” (my stress). Too late, as Judi Dench (playing Elizabeth I) said to Sir Walter Raleigh when she stepped into the puddle.
I very much hope that Catholics in this country and elsewhere will warmly welcome into our communion the members of the new ordinariates. Nevertheless, in terms of the relations between Rome and the bishops’ conferences affected, the way in which these ordinariates have been invented is disgraceful.
The ABC knew ahead of time. He just sat on his hands as usual. Then, unable to avoid the duty of an email to his clergy, he mentioned it -gasp- before it happened. Fact checking rather as good at the Tablet as the NYT, eh?
Again, there was a letter from the Vatican last summer to the TAC, telling them to be patient because a solution was in the works. It isn’t as if this was such a big secret – unless folks weren’t paying attention.
Heh — I sense the knowledge of liberal Western RC bishops who have been deprived of their prey.
There was no secret. The look on the ABC’s face at the news conference was that of a man found out; and, too, what he knew might but hoped would not happen, did. He had every possibility of holding on to the Communion with words of discipline, even words that were threat and not law. He squandered the talks of 40 years. But in the end, could it just be that God is working out unity in spite of our weaknesses? What a bold and glorious gift the Anglican Ordinariate will be.
The idea that the ABC and others had no idea a response was coming assumes that most people are idiots who have no recollection of prior events. The old adage applies – If you tell a lie enough times, after awhile people assume it to be true. The TAC and other traditionalist Anglicans have petitioned Rome at various times. Rome has taken its time formulating a response based on some well known historical precedents. For example, when a previous wave of Anglicans came calling after women were being made “priests”, a provision started to come into focus. Finally, notice was given that the Constitution would be issued, then it was released as planned. Duh.
As for the way in which the Ordinariates have been “invented”, i.e., a means by which the unity (of the Church) for which Christ prayed might be effected – the pope promotes an ecumenism that is founded on the truth spoken without compromise in a charitable manner. The pope is not constrained by any other earthly human authority. He may consult with the bishops/cardinals/nun who looks after the papal apartment/whoever, but with whom he consults remains his prerogative. He is accountable to Christ the Lord. Even bishops gathered in the great ecumenical councils of the undivided Church would submit their work to Rome for ratification, otherwise a council would not be catholic (universal). That tradition has continued in the Catholic Church after the 1054 schism. Does Nicholas Lash think the pope should be more like the ABC and exercise no real authority? Yeah, that’s worked out well.