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I have needed to expand this post and to likewise enlarge one of the answers to the suggested Primer. The changes are in maroon or red typface for ease in seeing the original & the augmentations.
You, dear reader, may not be aware how angry some Anglicans are because they mistakenly presume that the Holy See intends to determine what is or what is not the Anglican Patrimony. Some simple Catechism style questions and answers could clear this up quickly. The genius of the expression, "The Anglican Patrimony is our people." made by the Chancellor of the U.S. Ordinariate should be the touchstone for this effort. Let us remove misunderstanding and give no cause for anger among our fellow Christians, and embrace what all are doing for the cause of Christ arising from the Anglican heritage we hold in common.
It is too be greatly lamented that the broad vision of Anglicanorum coetibus is being whittled away by someone a piece at a time. What a pity that some Reformed Episcopalian clergy are being told that they do not have a place in this invitation when they manifestly do. What a tragedy that the U.S. Anglo-Lutherans were rebuffed when the U.S. Lutheran liturgical tradition in English is nearly identical with Book of Common Prayer and the King James Bible (See the Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America for a clear example of the same... they even said the Prayer of Humble Access, dear reader.)
By way of example ... could we not read the following (or something like it) on all Ordinariate and Anglican Use congregation websites as part of a short primer that we hold in common?:
By way of example ... could we not read the following (or something like it) on all Ordinariate and Anglican Use congregation websites as part of a short primer that we hold in common?:
Question: What is the Anglican Patrimony?
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- Answer: All of the children, women, and men of the Anglican Communion, related Churches, and Churches sharing The Book of Common Prayer tradition together with the Catholics of the British Isles who went before them; Roman Catholics who are of Anglican heritage by blood or by choice; and, those of Anglican background who have found a welcome among the Eastern Orthodox faithful: all of these people are the Anglican Patrimony.
Question: Is the Anglican Patrimony welcome within the Catholic Church?
- Answer: (1) Those who are the Anglican Patrimony are welcome within the Catholic Church when (a) they are in communion with the Chair of St. Peter and (b) are committed to the Magisterium of the Church.
- Answer (continued): (2) They are expected to articulate the Anglican heritage and traditions which have been welcomed into the Church through Anglicanorum coetibus, and this articulation of the Anglican tradition and heritage shall be made by the laity, religious, and clergy in the context of and in a manner consistent with the Magisterium of the Church and the Teaching Authority of the Bishop of Rome.
- Answer (continued): (3) They are also expected to take up the Call for the New Evangelisation of Blessed Pope John Paul II and confirmed by H.H. Pope Benedict XVI and to evangelise the world for Jesus Christ with their unique gifts and heritage.
Question: Are only Caucasian English-speaking members of the Anglican Patrimony welcome within the Catholic Church?
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- Answer: All members of the Anglican Patrimony are welcome regardless of their language, race, or national origin provided that they are in Communion with the Chair of St. Peter, are obedient to the Magisterium of the Church, and loyal to the Teaching Authority of the Bishop of Rome. Those who are not yet in Communion with the Chair of St. Peter are invited to study, receive the necessary Sacraments, and become members of Holy Mother Church and join the family of loyal sons and daughters of the Vicar of Christ, the Pope, the Bishop of Rome.
Certainly some of you, dear readers, are better at this sort of thing than I am. But I hope you will consider how important such a primer could be for the dissemination of truth and the encouragement of goodwill. Separately I hope you will consider the content of what I have written as it tries to respond to a number of criticisms and misunderstandings that have arisen. I believe it is essential that these things be said and published abroad for all to see and appreciate.
+Patrimonia Anglicana populus noster est.
