In the post The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Papal Infallibility, and the TAC of January 15, 2010, published just prior to the public release of the full text of the Portsmouth Petition, I addressed the doctrinal status of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the Traditional Anglican Communion, noting that, in some quarters, there was a denial that action of the bishops constituted the unconditional acceptance of the doctrines contained therein (both on the part of the episcopate and certainly the Communion as a whole).
From one of the excerpts already released, it is known that our bishops have proposed the Catechism as “the most perfect expression of the Catholic faith in the world today,” a faith which they “aspire to hold and teach.” Some have tried to rationalize and “spin” this confession. Perhaps the curious phrase “the most perfect expression” provides some wiggle room? Certainly the TAC bishops could not have meant to accept the recent Marian dogmas or those of papal infallibility and universal jurisdiction?
I asserted that the text of the Portsmouth Letter, along with the solemn act of signing of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its Compendium, represented the unequivocal acceptance of the doctrine of the Catholic Church on the part of the College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion, and further, given the teaching authority vested in the College by the TAC Concordat, that the Catechism must rightly be acknowledged as the official doctrinal statement of the entire Church.
Far from the admission of any wiggle room, the full text of the “Portsmouth Letter” makes absolutely clear that our bishops assent, not to the teaching of the Catechism generally, but to specific doctrines — indeed to those doctrines upon which all of the others hang. The Magisterium of the Catholic Church is accepted without reservation. The ministry of the Successor of St. Peter is confessed in terms that would be familiar to a father of the First Vatican Council!
Not only did the TAC bishops assembled — unanimously — approve the text of the letter to the Holy See, the entire college signed their confession in a solemn act.
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And from October 2007, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has been, at least, the de facto official doctrine of the Traditional Anglican Communion.
In a dossier of materials related to the recent publication of its formal application for the implementation of the Apostolic Constitution in the United Kingdom, Fr. Ian Gray, Vicar General of TTAC, has released the text of a letter written by Archbishop John Hepworth, to the clergy of the province. In this letter, the Primate makes very clear the doctrinal position of the TAC.
5. It would be very wise to become familiar with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is the official doctrinal statement of our College of Bishops, and therefore of our Communion. We are not a Communion in which Synods vote on doctrine. The Church of England does quite enough of that.
In speaking with bishops and other clergy from provinces around the TAC, it is my understanding that neither my analysis nor the Primate's statement would be considered especially controversial. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has long been a de facto standard for teaching in the Communion, and its official adoption by the College of Bishops in Portsmouth did not come as a great surprise. This act has been accepted as definitive and it has been embraced by the clergy and faithful of many TAC provinces. Unfortunately, here in North America, due to an apparent hesitation on the part of some bishops to boldly propose the Catechism to their flocks, there is a somewhat lesser degree of unanimity on this point, but make no mistake about it: the Catechism of the Catholic Church is "the authoritative expression of the Catholic faith" in the Traditional Anglican Communion and no deacon, priest, or bishop has the right to teach anything which is contrary to the essential doctrines contained therein.
Going further, I would argue that, with the provinces of the TAC poised to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church under the Holy Father's recent Apostolic Constitution, it is entirely inadequate that a bishop himself simply refrain from teaching doctrines opposed to this agreed standard, but that the Holy See, the members of the Traditional Anglican Communion, and the entire Catholic faithful throughout the world must be assured of his faithfulness made manifest by a willingness to proclaim the fullness of truth as expressed in the Catechism. A bishop unwilling to openly embrace the Catechism of the Catholic Church is unfaithful to his solemn oath, either as sworn in Portsmouth in October of 2007 or subsequently at the moment of his episcopal consecration, unfit for his office, and should resign his see immediately.
It is only reasonable that those who now hold the office of teaching, governing, and sanctifying in the Traditional Anglican Communion be held to a rigorous standard. If a bishop is unwilling to defend the Magisterium of the Catholic Church in his present circumstances, how can Holy Church be assured that he will do so in the fullness of her communion?
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This is basically the way it was explained to me when I first considered joining the ACA. It was, in fact, this very thing that "sealed" the deal for me. Intellectual honesty requires us to be clear and straightforward about accepting the Catechism–with no reservations (or "fudging" ECUSA style).
Yet, I too have met some who (unabashedly) are looking for the very wiggle room you speak of. I pray that they can deal properly and honestly with the situation and do what is required of them. As you say, integrity is at stake.
… and one of the advantages is that it won't be changing every couple of years with a Convention vote!
The security and peace behind that one fact is an amazing blessing!
Outstanding column! It may be unfortunante that such forthrightness is sometimes needed, but this was all very was well stated. Thank you!
The issue here is very basic. A great deal of effort was undertaken to demonstrate that the catechism of the TAC and that of Rome are essentially one and the same with much more detail being demonstrated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our bishops, on our behalf, have accepted the Catechism as being the fullest expression of our faith. Any one person who does not accept this has in essence chosen to remove himself from communion in the Traditional Anglican Communion and outside the faith.
As Fr. Phillips points out in #2 above, I consider it a blessing to move on from the 'infallibility' of General Convention. Benedic anima mea.
TO ALL OF THE ABOVE:
HEAR ! HEAR !
Well, this is going to sort out the men from the boys! From the first, Archbishop Hepworth has said that there would remain some provision for clergy and people who want to take time to decide and discern God's will.
On the other hand, bishops and priests in positions of authority has signed the Catechism and the letter of October 2007 in Portsmouth and a few are having second thoughts. This might be excusable in a lay member of a parish, but not for a bishop, vicar general or dean, etc. Along with those who foul-mouth the Apostolic Constitution, these clerics will simply be cast off to do want they want.
They may continue the "alphabet soup" for a time, but we are in 2010 and independent churches have less and less credibility, as there are so many of them, and ordinary lay people just aren't interested in the long term. There are hundreds of vagante churches, all with claims of legitimacy, but the vast majority have few, if any, lay faithful.
The Catholic Church has a future…
There are people who will deny this since the ACA Constitution states otherwise.
It would be useful if the Bishops officially told everyone that this is our belief.
It should also be noted that every member of TAC, particularly the clergy, have known the ecumenical trajectory of this body since Portsmouth. To have remained in the TAC up to this point, whatever the motive, without wholeheartedly embracing her doctrinal standards, and supporting in every way the matter at hand is duplicitous. Additionally, if there is anyone who is in this body who foments dissension they are guilty of espousing schism.
This is not the case with the average parishoner.
I disagree.
I think I was unclear in my meaning.
What I mean is that the average parishoner does not believe that our statement of faith is the Catechicsm of the Catholic Church and so therefore do not know why it is wrong not to embrace its doctrinal standards.
The reason they do not know this is because nobody in charge has told them so. They will not believe it is so until some sort of official word is passed from the Bishops.
What we say on these websites or what I say to them on Sunday does not matter.
Yes, I know the feeling. It is like the Twilight Zone.
I know where you are coming from, and where you are going to, but please, brother, slow down while some of us try to catch up! I assume that TAC Anglicans who may be from a lower stratum of churchmanship–or who may just be plain old–are headed in the same direction that you and the TAC are headed, rest assured. So, please don't be so hasty, while we are trying to wrap our minds and our hearts around doctrines that have been foreign to us heretofore. Please stop, turn around and wait, while we catch our breath, lest we lose heart.
And it's important to remember — especially for the laity — that the Catholic Church doesn't expect everyone in the pews to be able to articulate the Faith as though they have an advanced degree from the Angelicum. The Catholic faith is simple enough for a child to understand, and yet it can stretch the most brilliant mind.
A humble heart, a willingness to grow, and an openness to the Holy Spirit are what's needed. There are usually a few who approach things looking for problems — and they make sure they find them. I'm sure most people who really want to develop in the spiritual life will see this as a time to understand the faith better, and to deepen their relationship with God.
Father, you are absolutely right on! As paradoxical as it might sound, my guess is that right now there are more TACs who know more about the faith as expressed in the CCC than RCs in the pews generally. Yes, a willingness to grow is a big part of this. I would think that it would be necessary to teach the CCC not only in TAC parishes but RC parishes as well. At least in RC parishes, I don't think there is much of a push for adult catechesis other than just gentle invitations once in a while. The fact that growing in the faith is a lifetime journey just isn't articulated enough.
Please don't misunderstand my position as being overly critical of the laity who may not be able to articulate, or maybe even understand all of the doctrines in the CCC. A layperson not understanding is not my point of criticism. As I commented above, my issue is with anyone who denies the teaching of the CCC, and/or actively engages in subverting our desired communion.
Many people are in the "Continuing" Anglican Church because they want to "continue" worshipping and believing as they have for many years, often since childhood. They did not grow up being taught that the Pope is the infallible Head of the Church, or the BVM was immaculately conceived, and they don't believe these dogma now either, and not because they are intellectually incapable of grasping them. These things, and much else, have appeared as part of the package long after most people in TAC signed on. Human nature being what it is, not everyone will be prepared to accept that membership requirements have changed and they have to conform or go.
J.M.J.
That type of attitude is a problem we face as we maintain absolute fidelity to the objective truth of the Catholic Faith.
The Catholic Faith is not about what WE think, what WE like or what WE believe. It is about what The Church teaches.
Overcoming this hurdle can be a huge issue for some people. Praying for those struggling with this is the duty of all of us moving toward the Ordinariates.
As we pray in First Friday Sacred Heart Devotions, we look to the day that there may be but one flock and one shepherd.
SWR
"Human nature being what it is"
You are quite right that it it is hard for people to change their childhood beliefs. This is where grace is needed. Sean's comment on praying for those who are struggling is so important. This is a hidden form of evangelization.