It is fortunate, then, that Pope Benedict, though less popular than his predecessor, is intelligent enough to respond sensitively to the delicacy of his position as a guest in the UK. The English RC hierarchy will have prepared a full brief for him, and the offer last year of an Ordinariate for former Anglicans shows an awareness of local problems, if not a complete grasp of the best solution. More generally, what he lacks in radicalism he makes up for in integrity, and he will find a sympathetic ear if he chooses to speak about ethical issues.
Anglicans will want to welcome him as a Christian brother (some, indeed, as Christian father). Irritations persist, of course, over his refusal to countenance debate on women’s ordination, and that old stone in the shoe, the non-recognition of Anglican orders; but the blunt attacks of secularists have served to drive the different Churches closer together, in utterance if not in structure. There is a diversity of views of how best to meet the challenge of secularism, Anglicans in general favouring more cultural and ethical adaptability; but the pattern in the years since Pope John Paul’s visit has been for much greater cooperation between the Churches at all levels. If Pope Benedict can recognise and encourage this, it would prove to be the most fruitful element of his short visit.
[blockquote] over his refusal to countenance debate on women’s ordination, and that old stone in the shoe, the non-recognition of Anglican orders[/blockquote]
May as well ask him to create a stone that can’t be lifted. He’s just the [i]Pope[/i], for cryin’ out loud.
RE: “Anglicans will want to welcome him as a Christian brother (some, indeed, as Christian father). Irritations persist, of course, over his refusal to countenance debate on women’s ordination, and that old stone in the shoe, the non-recognition of Anglican orders . . . ”
Who’s irritated? Answer: the libs.
I don’t know any Anglicans who are irritated over either issue. I’m certainly not. Both of his positions are utterly consistent with his church. I don’t support the former, and I’m indifferent to the latter.