Healing the Breech

At the Shrine of the Holy Whapping there is an extended and ongoing thread debating the Traditional Anglican Communion's announcement their desire to be reunited with the Holy Catholic Church. It is fascinating to read and gratifying as well: the depth and knowledge of those commenting is nothing short of remarkable and for this former Episcopalian, weary of plumbing the shallows of that church's leadership, to find such richness and depth of thought is an added and welcome bonus to embracing the full Catholic Faith.

Much of the debate in the thread concerns the logistics, technicalities and politics over how, when or if the Traditional Anglican Communion should be admitted to Rome. Some are objecting, saying the admission of that particular branch of the continuing Anglican Church may roil the waters and make it more difficult for other dissenting Anglicans to be brought back into the See of Peter. To this admitted newbie, I think those worries are misplaced. The Holy Father seems to share the eagerness, even passion, of his predecessor Blessed John XXIII of reuniting his separated brethren. Thus it should come down to this: whether Holy Mother Church will seeks ways to make it possible for Anglicans, continuing or not, to return to the Holy See or seek ways to thwart them. Naturally, I opt and expect the former: Anglicans returning to Rome will bring with them not only a rich heritage of liturgy and music but also a heightened appreciation of Magisterium (we know all too well what happens in its absence) and it can only be to the benefit of the Holy Catholic Church. Returning Anglicans, in exchange, will enjoy the glorious benefit of undisputed sacraments; a good deal, I say.