Anglicanorum Coetibus: A Diamond in the Rough

There are two charactistics shared between the Apostolic Constitution (AC), Anglicanorum Coetibus, and a diamond in the rough.  First, they are both works in progress.  Second, as they progress, the multiple facets of each become more evident.  Consequently, by their very nature they must be viewed from the various perspectives that present themselves at any given time.  As a diamond is moved, at one moment a facet may appear blue, at another moment green, depending on one's vantage point.  The same is true of the AC.  I say this because, due to its very nature, the AC, like the diamond, cannot be discerned the same way given various points of view.  The diamond is such due to its multi-faceted physical configuration.  The AC is such due to the depth and breadth of its influence.  The implementation of the AC will have effects on, and will be affected by, theological, canonical, ecumenical, ecclesiological, pastoral, liturgical, and doctrinal considerations on both sides, Anglican and Roman.  When one takes this into consideration, it must be understood that myopic approaches to parsing the AC at present are not effectual.  It has yet to be determined by the parties involved how the Constitution will be practically applied in the various realms it will touch.  Indeed we have objective statements in the AC, but it is their application that is being explored.  Until this exploration is complete, it is an exercise in long-suffering.  This matter is not simple and to present it as such would be unsatisfactory — if not patently dishonest.

The most satisfactory way we have found thus far in our parish to present information regarding the AC is to provide periodic updates, disseminating what we know, and fielding new questions as best we can as they arise.  This is also the primary objective of this site.  We desire to communicate what we know of the progress of the AC, and desire to answer queries as best we are able from those who support, may be influenced by, are curious about, or, are even jaded concerning the AC.  Alas, we have spent a considerable amount of time recently, directly and indirectly, parrying the thrusts of contrarians from without who, using an overly simplistic interpretive methodology, have taken it upon themselves to challenge all things that do not fit into the sphere of their understanding.  This skewed process leads to the presentation of invalid interpretations that require correction.

It is not, as has been alleged, our desire to make converts to our position; that is the Holy Spirit's business.  However, we will address fallacious arguments that may aggravate an already sensitive pastoral circumstance.  In order to demonstrate that it is by no means the purpose of this blog to criticize anyone who objects to the AC, or who would not desire to avail themselves of membership in any established Ordinariate, I commend to you the following:

Bishop Walter Grundorf of the Anglican Province of America (APA) has responded to the AC in an official statement:

"We commit ourselves to fervent prayer for all those who will follow the path now created by the See of Rome, as we pledge to continue our prayer and work with Roman Catholics everywhere for the visible unity of Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church."

Bishop Grundorf ended his letter with that statement after he pointed out the differences that exist between the APA and Rome, giving no indication of his desire to pursue the matter at present.

From the same perspective, my very dear friend Canon Chad Jones of the APA writes:

"Our jurisdiction…although in communion with the Traditional Anglican Communion, is not a Anglo-Papalist body and will therefore almost certainly not choose to be received into communion with the Roman Church on the basis of the new provision.  But we Catholics of the Anglican Rite shall indeed pray for those who do and shall strive to maintain the closest relationships possible with those clergy and laity who will decide to become Catholics of the Roman Rite, as well as with those who are already Roman Rite Catholics.  These are indeed compelling days."

Disagreement between us?  Yes.  However, I will take this opportunity to publicly commend these men on their Christian charity, and thank them with all my heart for their prayers and kind words.

I pray that as the work progresses we can all sit back and watch this historic event unfold and marvel at the finished product.

Gratia et pax,

"Doc"+