Once to every man and nation,
comes the moment to decide,
in the strife of truth with falsehood,
for the good or evil side;
some great cause, some great decision,
offering each the bloom or blight,
and the choice goes by forever,
'twixt that darkness and that light.
James Russell Lowell wrote those words in 1845, part of a poem having to do with justice, truth, decisiveness, good, evil – all things that every man must weigh carefully as he seeks to be the moral being God has created him to be. The words were written at a particular time in our history, in response to the war with Mexico for the acquisition of the territory of Texas, and James Russell Lowell had strong feelings about this. When the poem was first published, it was titled “The Present Crisis,” but I’d like to redirect the words from their original context, and apply them to the present situation in which many Anglicans find themselves; namely, choosing for entrance into an Ordinariate, or against it.
Up to, and including the present time, many are trying to live in divided circumstances. There are Anglicans worshipping in parishes where those who desire to enter an Ordinariate are in a distinct minority. Likewise, there are some who have no interest in it, but who are part of a parish which is Ordinariate-bound. And as it is with parishes, so it is true in some cases on a diocesan level. Perhaps a bishop is less than enthusiastic about Anglicanorum coetibus, but he has clergy and parishes in his jurisdiction that are eagerly waiting for its implementation. Now, I would not say one or the other position is evil, in and of itself. Men of good will can disagree, and good men can be mistaken. However, the very fact that there are “two sides” in this situation is a strong indication that evil is having its sway. There’s very little else the devil enjoys more than sowing confusion and dissension among people. When the Old Deceiver can cause disunity, it gives him just the crack he needs to stick his hoof into the mix, and stir things up – friend against friend, Christian against Christian.
I believe the time has come now for those who need to choose, to do just that: choose. There are no more negotiations to be made, no more questions to be answered. Anglicanorum coetibus and the Complementary Norms are quite clear about what the Catholic Church is offering to those groups of Anglicans who have made requests. And the choice is stark: enter into full communion with the wider Catholic Church, or remain in a body becoming more splintered every day. It’s the choice between sailing safely in the Barque of Peter, or flailing around in an angry sea trying to find something – anything – to keep afloat. It’s the choice between being open to the unchanging truth revealed by God, or putting oneself in subjection to the changing opinions of men.
Obviously, I don’t think it’s a tough choice to make – but I fully understand there are those who would disagree with me. The point is, the time for arguing about it – especially within the dioceses and parishes of the Traditional Anglican Communion – is over. If one of the purposes of TAC is reunion with the See of Peter, then there’s nothing left to discuss. Rome has answered, and the answer is “yes.”
So then, choose. Divided parishes and divided dioceses cannot continue. For those who are ready to move forward, they should declare it. For those who – for whatever reason – choose to reject the offer, then they should separate and go in peace. As the poem says, there comes “the moment to decide.” That moment has come, and as the words go on to say:
By the light of burning martyrs,
Christ, thy bleeding feet we track,
toiling up new Calvaries ever
with the cross that turns not back;
new occasions teach new duties,
ancient values test our youth;
they must upward still and onward,
who would keep abreast of truth.
This is one of those “new occasions,” teaching us “new duties.” And our duty is always to the truth, wherever it leads us. Countless numbers throughout the centuries have found that it leads to Rome.
Related posts:
Reverend Father, most clearly stated! Those individuals who are doing so can no longer continue to vacillate between Rome and the chaos of the Continuing Anglican Communion. In so doing they are placing the Ordinariate bound in a most untenable position by their influence, thus muddying the waters of what is, or should be, a clear choice of conscience and soul. Those who are standing with one foot in the Barque of Peter and the other in the Continuing Communion must now make the decision as to sail with the tide or stay in the swamp.
For many the choice to sail is amply clear, for those staying behind we offer our prayers.
From the Roman perspective:
Having followed the Anglican story for a couple of years now, it seems to me that for some who are contemplating staying, the decision may be more complicated than issues revolving around Church doctrine only.
For what it's worth, I have an impression that for some of these individuals, their senses of ethnicity and religious affiliation have fused in a more definite way than for others. I also suspect that many of them may not be fully appreciative of the complicating nature of this factor – which is yet another complicating factor.
As just one example, their uses of the word "Roman" (or even "Anglican") often have a surprisingly ethnic ring between the lines, especially when used in contexts not ostensibly ethnic. In these Roman ears, such uses sound dissonant.
These may be delicate and elusive issues, but with God's help they are all eminently resolvable.
Although I agree that it is time for decision, there are many who have been so bombarded by contradictory information that they're dizzy, and they'd prefer to see this thing for itself.
I think that once ordinariates are actually established, a lot of the confusion will be cleared up, and people will be able to decide much more easily whether their future lies in such a body or not.
Even if some will continue to hang somewhere in the middle, there is certainly a large enough group of committed people to justify getting this show on the road. It's not like people won't be welcome to join up later, and their uncertainty is no reason to hold back those who are completely sure.
You're correct — once the Ordinariates begin to be erected, confusion will be cleared up. But the confusion isn't in the document, nor is it in the clearly-stated intention of the Holy See. The confusion comes from those who are arguing from an anti-Roman, anti-Papal viewpoint. It's precisely that which I think should stop. There are those who consider themselves firmly within TAC, but who are active in attempting to convince others that they should not accept the offer which has come. Sometimes this is disguised as a "need for more information," or a "wait for further negotiation." Those kinds of statements flow from those who have little intention of entering an Ordinariate. Sometimes the statements are more blatantly anti-Ordinariate.
There are those who will take a "wait and see" position, and that's fine. But if that's their decision, let them truly "wait" — wait upon the Lord, and then they will "see" — they'll see what He is doing. Meanwhile, they should stop making their negative statements, and they should cease sowing confusion through their efforts to undermine what has been offered.
Perhaps, then, there are three choices: 1) make a public decision for the Ordinariate; 2) wait quietly and prayerfully, without disturbing the decision of others; or 3) find another agreeable spiritual home and go there.
It would seem by reading the article and the comments that this is entirely a black and white choice. The "Barque of Peter" is God's way and anything else is of "men" or the devil. What amazes is that, if the Roman Church is so clearly the instrument of God and those who not wish to join it so obviously not following God's way, then why is there anything to wait for and why didn't you join long ago? If it was to preserve Anglicanism as part of a Communion, many TAC people were never Anglicans and the TAC has not been an Anglican Church in communion with other Anglicans and was never part of the Anglican Communion. If it was to preserve Anglican liturgical tradition, I would be surprised to find the Book of Common Prayer used in a TAC parish with embellishments and liturgical practices that the majority of Anglicans would not recognize. You wanted to have your cake and eat it too. but this inconsistency has been uncovered by the Pope's offer. If you recognize the Pope as the Vicar of Christ and believe that there is One True Church, are you saying that your orders and sacraments have been invalid and your church a fraud until now? And you call the "regular" Anglican Church confused and a "swamp". With such charity toward others, may you find true religion that includes more love and less condescension.
Which of us can foresee the future? Surely our task is:
1. Pray and ask for light.
2. Make the best personally authentic decision each can.
3. Trust God absolutely for what happens then.
The time of uncertainty is extremely painful, and turmoil is not the right time to make a decision. But clarity will come.
As Father Phillips mentioned negotiation is not really an option. Either a person accepts that the Catholic Church is the Church Christ established or they don't. Yes I can understand that it takes time to discern the truths of the Church and that responsibility lies on the shoulders of each individual, not just listening to a Bishop or priest's opinion. Also I have read that some Anglicans in England were waiting to see what the CoE had to offer them and if it was better than what becoming Catholic in the Ordinariate were, they would wait and see. This is never a reason to become Catholic, you become Catholic because you accept the teachings of the Church, not because it seems like a better offer than another.
For those who really don't know what the truth of the Catholic Church is, then they, of course, should wait until they know with their whole being that this is what God wants.
Although parishes will be split and I have been in that position, it is much more difficult for the priests to become part of the Ordinariate, they must have full faith and trust that the Lord will take care of their needs. Parishioners hopefully who wish to remain Anglican will have a pastor who makes sure that their needs are taken care of in his absence.
I can only go by my experience and making the decision to become Catholic has given me peace and freedom from the unknowing of what was coming next, i.e. which doctrines whould be changed, how would the liturgy be changed when a new priest was in charge etc.
In the Ordinariate these questions will be answered and I believe that when the liturgy is chosen it will stay the same, no innovations or abuses will be allowed.
Sound doctrine will be taught at these parishes and in time they will grow as the Lord wills.
We should have no ill will towards those who remain Anglican, as that is where the Holy Ghost has led them and just pray that they will find peace and joy in their community. We are not to judge anothers choice, but for everyone involved it is best to decide where you find fifullment and not tarry too long in uncertainty as we all need to grow spiritually and confusion does not give us the opportunity to devote our time to grow closer to God, but takes our minds off the goal of being united with Christ.
This is an individual choice and let no one interfere with where the Spirit leads you.
It is all very well to write that it is time to choose. At one level I agree. The problem is that having put Anglicanorum Coetibus out there Rome has said and done nothing since.
In Scotland we wrote to the Cardinal Levada March 29, 2010. We have a meeting lined up with Bishop Tartaglia ( the Bishop of Paisley ) at the end of October . There is no agenda as such. More and more I am convinced that the cart was put before the horse. There is no real evidence that there is any process in place for the actual setting up of the Ordinariates. We hear rumours that there will be an announcement after the visit of the Holy Father to the UK . We hear that there will be something big announced at the FiF National Assembly in October in the UK . What has the visit of the Holy Father to the UK or FiF National Assembly UK got to do with the rest of the world ? Why on earth would Rome be waiting for a group of Anglicans in the UK to meet to announce something which is designed for the world ? To suggest that all is waiting on FiF UK simply doesnt stack up. Our enemies suggest that the statement was made by Rome without thinking through the logistics and putting in place proper process. Sadly we have nothing real to contradict this.
The matter of choice can only move forward when there is something to choose. At this time there is a rather nice document and nothing else.
This reply reminds me of the recently freed Jews bickering amongst themselves and to Moses after their newfound freedom and promise offered them by God. Where shall we go, what shall we eat, perhaps it is better that we go back into bondage & sin. As an Episcopalian I find this helpless whiny attitude very feminine and entirely without God. Perhaps it is entirley deserved that the Anglican continues to disintegrate which of course it will as the very legitimacy of the CoE continues to be eroded by its own bishops. Anglicans did not fight to maintain their church and don't offer to fight now to meet the Pope's loving offer to reunite Christ's church. It is nothing but ignorance and anxiety which keeps us apart and I for one find shame in our inability to help Rome help us. Shame.
There are no more negotiations to be made, no more questions to be answered.
So you say! You speak as if AC were an ultimatum. No ordinariates even exist and nothing can happen until they do. I have several questions, and it is not for any individual interested party to tell me I should not ask them. If Rome – quite properly – moves slowly, why should the rest of us be in a rush?
J.M.J.
What question can you possibly have that has bearing on the decision to join the Ordinariate or not?
It seems to me that one either believes what The Church teaches or you don't. If you do, you have a moral responsibility to join. We were waiting before, for an answer to our question about how this could be done as a group. We got the answer.
I look forward to being able to echo the words of Cardinal Newman when he wrote about his decision:
"… that from the day I became a Catholic to this day, now close upon thirty years, I have never had a moment's misgiving that the communion of Rome is that Church which the Apostles set up at Pentecost, which alone has "the adoption of sons, and the glory, and the covenants, and the revealed law, and the service of God, and the promises, and in which the Anglican communion, whatever its merits and demerits, whatever the great excellence of individuals in it, has, as such, no part. Nor have I ever, since 1845, for a moment hesitated in my conviction that it was my clear duty to join, as I did then join, that Catholic Church, which in my own conscience I felt to be divine. Persons and places, incidents and circumstances of life, which belong to my first forty-four years, are deeply lodged in my memory and my affections; moreover, I have had more to try and afflict me in various ways as a Catholic than as an Anglican; but never for a moment have I wished myself back; never have I ceased to thank my Maker for His mercy in enabling me to make the great change, and never has He let me feel forsaken by Him, or in distress, or any kind of religious trouble. "
I have never had a moment's misgiving.
Well, bully for you!
LBS, that seems to be a strange response. I must be missing something.
Perhpas because the Anglican Church has become an abomination (at least within the developed "western" world)? Why would one move slowly to avoid the tinge of secularism and sin?
As far as it goes, me and my tiny group (15 souls) stand ready to serve God in an Ordinariate – we are convinced; but where is our "Joan of Arc" at the command? We will convert as soon as we know to whom and where to pledge our troth. Father, if we need only let you know that we are committed, I would be happy to send you a personal email to that effect; which, it might surprise you, I have already done – we have a common acquaintance that is very much interested in the conversion of Anglicans.
God bless you Father.
God bless you and your people, Father! My words were directed more at those who have decided against entering an Ordinariate, rather than those like yourself. If someone is choosing to reject the offer, that's their right — but there's no reason for them to disturb the peace of others who have chosen the path outlined by the Holy See.
You're doing exactly what you should be doing — like those preparing for marriage, you've accepted the proposal, you're preparing for the big day, and before long you'll be pledging your troth! You certainly don't need to have people constantly telling you that you're marrying the wrong person, when you know your choice is of God.
As for me and my house . . .
We are coming. When, God willing, there is a Catholic Church here for Anglicans to come to, when the Ordinariate is established, there will be many more.
God bless you Fr. Phillips for leading the way and God bless you Fr. Guzman for going ahead of the rest of us in TEC that are sure to follow.
It seems to me that, whatever direction one eventually heads, prudence dictates careful consideration and therefore we must all be very patient with one another. Even our Lord alludes as much when he speaks of the man building a barn and counting its costs. One cannot speak of an action in the abstract, but it must be understood within the reality in which one lives. Those in the Continuum have parishes that need to be considered, clergy may need to consider finances, all must realistically weigh the costs and the make plans accordingly. This by necessity will not be done on the internet.
I would suspect that most have already made decisions and have a goal in mind. And yet, as it has already been pointed out, until an Ordinariate is actually functioning and on the ground, no action can be taken unless one is ready to enter into communion with Rome (if that is one's direction) in a regular Latin Rite diocese and then hope to move into a future Ordinariate. Yet this does not seem to be a wise action if one wishes to bring in one's current parish. Not all diocesan bishops are open to Anglican Use parishes as is well known and so why risk the unity of the group of people who will form a future parish?
Having written this, I must hasten to add that a habit among Anglicans (those in the Continuum included) is to mull over and issue and never act or make a decision. This is a potential danger because one cannot sit on a fence long without getting splinters–or being pierced with barbs in Texas. The objective information needed to make an act of the will is given. In this sense only a decision can be made. And it will color one's plans and preparations. But, whilst there can be a willful orientation, there can not be a deliberate action on that will if it is directed towards a future ordinariate. One cannot act in this moment upon a future possibility. Time does not work that way for those of us who must muddle along through chronogically.
All will make decisions and most have probably already made them by now, but prudence and patience are what are called for at the moment, not hasty action that can have no actual substance in time and space.
If you were approached by a couple who had discovered that they were not validly married in the eyes of the church but were now in a position to have this rectified, would you advise them to wait until a big wedding ceremony with all the trimmings could be organised, and to continue living as man and wife in the meantime? Or would you urge them to be married as soon as possible, as a matter of grave spiritual necessity? It seems to me their situation is similar to that of someone who has become convinced that membership of a church in communion with the Pope was "made necessary by Christ," in the words of Lumen Gentium.
The Church never demands that someone act in a way which would be against a fully-informed conscience; however, since the Holy Father has made a legitimate offer in Anglicanorum coetibus, one's conscience would certainly allow a person to follow the process established by the Church. This time of waiting is something that's on the Church's side of the equation, and the individual who is choosing to follow the path outlined in Anglicanorum coetibus isn't held accountable for it, because he's not hesitating through his own choice.
Excellent point! We need now just wait for someone able to perform the ceremony.
Graita et pax,
"Doc"+
Here in San Diego, CA we are in the genesis of a Friends of the Ordinariate (FOTO) group. Said group will not be associated with any ecclesiastical group so as to be open to those decided, undecided, and curious of what Rome has offered. We hope to have open discussions but our attention will focus on being Ordinariate bound and preparing for such. Prayer, study of the CC, fellowship will be the spiritual exercise of the day. Once an individual prayerfully has decided this journey is not for them they may leave the group in peace. No room will be provided for those not Ordinariate bound to attempt to divert the rest of the group from its journey home. A divided household under the same roof is one aspect of recent Anglicanism we sure can do without.
What a wonderful idea.
Guzmang1, perhaps you could put together a simple account of how the group began, what it does when it meets, how it makes itself known so that people can find it, etc., and I'd be happy to post the details on The Anglo-Catholic so that others might consider doing something similar. Anything you can share might provide just the inspiration someone else needs to get started.
At present three lay individuals, with whom I maintain contact with, have responded to my post in the Anglican-Catholic Forum . We have five clergy, including myself, who have met once. Three are ACA, one TEC, and one a Catholic Orthodox monk. We are at present trying to get an RC locale in which the FOTO can meet. We hope to accomplish our first meeting soon after the Holy Fathers' visit to England/Scotland. I shall inform you as per your request as soon after said meeting.
God bless.
Yes, but any new news on the implementation of the new Canon towards Anglicans? When will it go into effect?
I regard this article, and some of the comments which follow it, as a clear “Word from the Lord.” Get in, or get out, but don’t stand around and make trouble.
For me this whole process has been tortuous. I can no longer find a home in the ruins of “Anglicanism,” and I certainly do not believe that the Catholic Church is the “one true church.” As someone said it most clearly, “Either a person accepts that the Catholic Church is the Church Christ established or they don't.” I don’t, for more reasons than I care to list. After much prayer and careful consideration I made my decision as I believe the Lord has led me.
Being part of a TAC parish that is marching strongly and boldly into the Ordinariate I had no desire to make a fuss, make a statement, make my leaving a statement, or even discuss the matter with the good people of the parish who were excited about the coming changes. I believe my hesitation and personal objections are valid, but pointing out a host of things from the other side of the issue could have spoiled the wonderful simplicity of faith I saw in the faces of my fellow beloved parishioners. So, I decided to make a slow and quiet exit. My attendance became irregular, then infrequent, and then I simply stopped going.
Unfortunately, the article expressed the pro Ordinariate position as the only clear and godly solution to a spiritually sordid situation, using such statements as “And the choice is stark: enter into full communion with the wider Catholic Church, or remain in a body becoming more splintered every day. It’s the choice between sailing safely in the Barque of Peter, or flailing around in an angry sea trying to find something – anything – to keep afloat. It’s the choice between being open to the unchanging truth revealed by God, or putting oneself in subjection to the changing opinions of men.” And other commentators have said, “Those who are standing with one foot in the Barque of Peter and the other in the Continuing Communion must now make the decision as to sail with the tide or stay in the swamp.” I personally don’t find these either-or statements in the least helpful. In fact, I find then disturbingly simplistic.
Others have been more gracious, more kind, and more open to the idea that the Spirit of God just might lead individuals in another direction. They have made statements that I regard as a clear Word of Wisdom. “We should have no ill will towards those who remain Anglican, as that is where the Holy Ghost has led them and just pray that they will find peace and joy in their community. We are not to judge another’s choice, but for everyone involved it is best to decide where you find fulfillment and not tarry too long in uncertainty as we all need to grow spiritually and confusion does not give us the opportunity to devote our time to grow closer to God, but takes our minds off the goal of being united with Christ. This is an individual choice and let no one interfere with where the Spirit leads you.” While I have chosen neither the Ordinariate nor to remain Anglican, I still appreciate what this writer said.
And, to sum it all up perfectly, “Perhaps, then, there are three choices: 1) make a public decision for the Ordinariate; 2) wait quietly and prayerfully, without disturbing the decision of others; or 3) find another agreeable spiritual home and go there.” No judgments, no harshness, simply wise and wonderful words.
I am sharing these thoughts so I can tell others whose answer to the either/or question is, “neither” – you are not alone.
Praise be to God.
"Others have been more gracious, more kind, and more open to the idea that the Spirit of God just might lead individuals in another direction."
Sometimes the other direction eventually leads back to unity. This is my prayer for you and for all of us. We are all guilty of sowing discord and I am grateful to you that you haven't in your local community.
A paraphrase of a quote from Thomas Merton is that someone running away from God may be closer to God than you are. So we can never view another with a sense of superiority. My prayer is that eventually you will come into communion with the Catholic Church. I encourage you to continue your prayer and careful consideration.
John 17:21