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Vatican Initiative
I had thought the original notice from Rome was extremely generous. Today
all the accompanying papers have been published and they are extremely
impressive. I have been horrified that the Church of England while trying
to accommodate us has consistently said we cannot have the jurisdiction and
independent life that most of us feel we need to continue on our Christian
pilgrimage.
What Rome has done is offer exactly what the Church of England has refused.
Indeed it has offered the requests of "Consecrated Women" with the completion of
its ecumenical hopes. We all need now to ask the question 'is this what we
want?' For some of us I suspect our bluff is called! This is both an
exciting and dangerous time for Christianity in this country. Those who
take up this offer will need to enter into negotiation with the Church of
England about access to parish churches and many other matters. This
situation must not be used to damage the Church of England but I do believe we
have a valid claim on our own heritage in history.
The doctrinal standard demanded by Rome is the New Catechism which most of us
use any way. We would be allowed to use Anglican or Roman rites and our
ordinaries would have jurisdiction. We will all need to meet and talk.
I would hope that this could take place in collaboration with the PEVs and other
Catholic bishops. It is not my style to give a expansive analysis of a
document that I have only received today nor will I answer the question "What
are you going to do?" That is something we need to work our together.
I attach the documents.
Every Blessing,
The significance of the Apostolic Constitution |