Exploring Ecumenism

Yet More About Personal Ordinariates

OK OK I can't leave this topic alone.  Last time  I hoped would be the last post on this topic but I have found two more articles that reflect on the importance of this Vatican initiative.

Hopefully a Final Word about Personal Ordinariates

As the dust begins to clear, the various positions taken up by religious commentators are emerging.  In this post, I present two very contrasting articles. 

How Churches Hold Themselves Together

Recently, I wrote about an elephant in the room  with respect to ecumenical conversations in Britain.  This time I am going to identify a second elephant.  We need an understanding of intra-ecumenism, the ecumenism within the historic traditions.

Most of the mainstream traditions are in fact alliances where churches have consented to a particular ecclesiology for the sake of unity.  Some of these alliances go back hundreds of years and so it is true in a sense that many traditions are themselves evidence that ecumenism works, up to a point.

Two Ecumenisms?

The arrangements put in place by the Roman Catholic Church  to admit Anglicans disillusioned by women bishops has highlighted a couple of other issues about ecumenism in Britain. 

The joint statement  made by the two archbishops recently states what might be called mainstream ecumenism will continue between the two churches.  These are the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC ) and the International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM ).  I am sure they will continue but we need to understand something of the context in which they will continue.

It is significant that this move came as something of a surprise to the Archbishop of Canterbury and I will explore the reasons for this in my next post.  It seems to me that we are moving into an era where we have at least two ecumenisms.

Anglicans Entering the Catholic Church

Okeydoke, my armchair hero
Let's see if you're equal to the task
Put your money where your mouth is ...

The Wall of Death
Is a time of truth
It's an act of faith ...

(From 'The Wall of Death' sung by Pete Atkin, lyrics Clive James.)

On Wednesday 20 October 2009, the Roman Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced arrangements for Personal Ordinariates for Anglicans entering the Catholic Church.  The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams and the Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols issued a joint statement .  If you follow the link you will also find a link to the Roman Catholic announcement.

Clive James' words and Peter Atkin's song have been with me ever since.  Sadly, the song is not available in full on the internet.  Given where I stand theologically, it is hardly surprising that my views are what they are but I would not wish anyone to take offence at the image of the wall of death.  You will see I use it in a way that is positive albeit challenging.