Today was a pretty amazing day; some say historic and others just overwhelmed by the bigness of it all. On this day Pope Benedict has offered a path to the Anglican Communion to become part of the Catholic Church. This is a huge step toward Christian unity as called for in Scripture. Many Anglicans across the world are expected to "come home" and Anglican priests will, with some orientation, become Catholic priests. This includes the many married Anglican priests. Bishops will also be coming over but these will be selected from the ranks of celibate Anglican clergy.
The news was announced simultaneously by Rome, through Cardinal Levada and by the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury. Speculation abounds about large masses of Anglicans in Africa, Australia and other areas in the Pacific rim becoming Catholic en masse. There is also evidence of large number of disaffected Episcopalians in Amercia converting and even many from the Church of England, although the latter seems less likely to happen soon or overly enthusiastically.
The manor in which Pope Benedict has established this path home will look very similar to the military diocese concept. Additionally, within these "Anglican ordianriates" will be much of the liturgical tradition the Anglicans adhere to.
This I know for sure, I do not pretend to be an expert on how this was structured or how it will play out. And I know that there will be many wanting to throw cold water all over this. Bottom line is that today, one of the most significant events in uniting Christians into one communion, under the Vicar of Christ has occured. And this while Pope Benedict continues open dialogue with the Orthodox religions and of course the more controversial SSPX.
Perhaps, just perhaps, this is the beginning of what Christ envisioned when he established a Church, built upon the Rock; a Church that has endured man made mistakes for 2,000 years because She is protected by the Holy Spirit; the Church that even the gates of hell cannot prevail against.
To our Anglican friends, welcome home. To all other Christians and people of goodwill, come on in; the water is fine!
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