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Sunday, 30 September 2012

Anglicanorum Coetibus - An Open Door for Protestants and those from other religions moved by the Holy Spirit to enter into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church


    • Here are a couple of comments posted on Deborah Gyapong's excellent blog "Foolishness to the World".
      I add them here to make sure that we all understand that Anglicanorum Coetibus (AC) is a dramatic and inspired part of the New Evangelism. 
      AC is an open door for all people of good will. In particular, of course, for Anglicans but also for (and perhaps in the long run it may prove to be even more effective amongst) Protestants and anyone at all who has not received the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church.
      As well, Catholics of all rites are welcome to worship in Ordinariate parishes, sodalities, etc and may even transfer into such under certain circumstances.
      Marriage to someone who is an Ordinariate member would be amongst the most common cases for transfer of a Catholic. Adoption into an Ordinariate family would be another in the case of a child or other person already baptized in the Latin Rite Catholic Church.
      It needs to be stated again and again that anyone can receive the sacraments of initiation and so become members of an Ordinariate parish/ mission/ chaplaincy, etc. if they come from any Protestant church, from no church or from another religion of any flavour. Lutherans would be amongst the most obvious candidates for reception into Anglican ordinariate communities.

  2. Perhaps I should just add that many have spoken of the Holy Father’s profound desire to bring Protestants and others into the unity of the Catholic Church. His long association with Lutheran scholars, pastors and people has, undoubtedly, shaped his thinking about Our Lord’s mandate for unity.
    A careful reading of Anglicanorum Coetibus shows that there is every reason to believe that the Holy Father sees this as an avenue for Protestants generally. It truly is a magnificent contribution to unity which, as a young friend has pointed out to me, as an Apostolic Constitution AC will be there in 50 years for those still seeking unity. Truly it is for the ages and is the fruit of a devout pastoral heart and inspired leadership.
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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous30 September 2012 at 10:06

    It's definitely true with the Anglo-Lutherans
    (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Lutheran_Catholic_Church#Petition_for_unity_with_the_Holy_See ). However, it is my understanding that Anglicanorum Coetibus is only for traditions that have a concept of apostolic succession, an understanding that Tradition is important and a belief in the real presence. So while it may be possible that the Methodist might apply to Anglicanorum Coetibus, I don't think Baptists would have a chance. But given that individual Baptist preachers (even married Baptist preachers) have been accepted into the priesthood, at least this much is possible for all those who would not be eligible for Anglicanorum Coetibus.


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  2. peregrinusto6 October 2012 at 08:28

    Clearly any and all coming into communion with the Catholic Church through the Ordinariates or otherwise will be catechized and must accept the Catholic Faith as set forth in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

    On matters of faith and morals all must do the same thing regardless of background or previous allegiance. So, anyone coming from the Baptist, Pentecostal or any other Protestant group is welcome to enter the Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus through the Ordinariates provided the person can, like all others, affirm the Catholic Faith.

    In matters of liturgy, music and aesthetics there are broad parameters as evidenced by the approved Anglican Use Mass as well as the Eastern Catholic rites.

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