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News from the world of Anglo-Romano relations...seems the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM?) has released a report suggesting that the two churches consider ways to reunite. Specifically, that we "explore together how the ministry of the Bishop of Rome might be offered and received in order to assist our Communions to grow towards full, ecclesial communion." Of course this is just one report from a group that has no authority and that can afford pipe-dreams and castles in the clouds. The chance of this actually happening, or even seeing serious debate, is slim at best. Still, the idea is intriguing. So how would the two churches react? Well, I can tell you how this Anglican would respond...so long as all of our priests and bishops would be welcome, including women and homosexuals (and homosexual women, for that matter), and so long as the Bishop of Rome was considered first among equals rather than the Vicar of Christ...well, I'd be open. The Roman church has changed a lot since England sent the Pope packing. Most of the objections raised by the Reformation were addressed by Vatican II (if not before that). Indeed, if Luther were alive today he'd be a devout Roman Catholic. If, on the other hand, the one billion member Roman church would swamp the 77 million member Communion and ignore its voice like is has ignored the voices of women and homosexuals...that's another kettle of fisherman's slippers. See, I doubt that Rome would be interested in the sort of reunification that I (and probably most Anglicans) would be comfortable with. They've dug their heels in over gender and sexuality, and while it's probably the last gasp of a fading traditionalism, it's still the ruling voice. And that doesn't even take into account maintaining "Our Incomparable Liturgy" and the treasure of Anglican musical tradition. (Maybe that's why they're interested in getting us back?) I think we'd end up with compromises that would be too compromising to us. That said, should the liberal Episcopal Church remain the only province in North America, it's not out of the question for the more conservative element to follow Cardinal Newman and swim the Tiber. I know a few people who've probably thought seriously about joining Rome already. But the two traditions coming back together under one hierarchy? I don't think it'll happen any time soon and I don't think that's a bad thing. That sort of unity, who calls who boss, doesn't seem like the kind of thing Jesus is too worried about. I think we're probably better off working together, answering Christ's call to unity through common mission rather than common ecclesiology. |
