The Ordinariate

For years now the Church of England and the Church of Rome have been seeking grounds for union between what Anglicans see as the two main branches of the Catholic church.   Unfortunately, the two churches had quite different views on "union". For the Church of England it meant something like the union between England and Scotland, two quite separate identities but with the same "head"; but to Rome it meant everyone becoming Roman Catholic.   The Pope's latest initiative is to be welcomed, therefore, if only because at last the Vatican has "come clean".   There is not, and never has been, any chance of the sort of union for which Anglicans had prayed  and laboured.   Pope John Paul II tried to make that clear when he visited Ireland but no-one noticed - "There can be no reconciliation unless the Church of England accepts the doctrine of transubstantiation"........All is not lost, however: God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform" !
This is what I  - an Anglican - wrote years ago for my local Roman Catholic newsletter: "It takes an enormous leap of faith to look at a piece of bread and truly believe that it is really Jesus in disguise.   The Church of England exists for those who cannot make that leap of faith and will not pretend that they can.   When I attend the ecumenical services of Holy Communion at [an English parish where Anglicans and Roman Catholics had joint celebrations of the Eucharist], in no way do I renounce the doctrine of the Church of England: I do not worship the Host because to me it is a piece of bread.   Nor does [my wife, a Roman Catholic]  fall into apostasy: she renounces nothing of the doctrine of the Church of Rome and she worships the Host because to her it is no longer a piece of bread."   The union I have always envisaged is one where our two different viewpoints, comprehended by the Holy Spirit, are recognised.   I live in hope!