Global South Anglican

THE special provision for those “originally belonging to the Anglican Communion” (as they will be termed) was announced with not much notice to either the Archbishop of Canter­bury or the Archbishop of West­minster. This doesn’t mean it is intended to poach priests and people from the Church of England or the other Anglican Churches. While there are ques­tions about its ecumenical com­munication, it was a known fact that both former Anglicans — such as mem­bers of the Traditional Anglican Communion — and those still be­long­ing to Churches of the Anglican Com­munion have asked the Vatican to consider some group recognition, as some way of retaining an Anglican identity in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican has responded to their requests…

But let's be careful. A time of reflection and caution is now needed without precipitate responses, either of offense taken, or euphoric overreaction. After all, the differences between Anglicans and Roman Catholics have not disappeared overnight. For many Anglicans, doctrines such as Papal infallibility and the Marian dogmas remain considerable barriers to unity with the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, it is not yet clear which aspects of Anglican tradition, practice and theology are to be embraced by the Apostolic Constitution....

The Global South Primates Steering Committee responded to the Vatican's announcement on Apostolic Constitution in this statement.

The Vatican on Tuesday announced that it would make it easier for Anglicans who are uncomfortable with their church’s acceptance of women priests and openly gay bishops to join the Roman Catholic Church.

Responses:

Letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury to “the Bishops of the Church of England, and the members of the Primates Meeting of the Anglican Communion.”

Joint statement issued today the Archbishop of Westminster and the Archbishop of Canterbury

Abp Bob Duncan: ACNA welcomes annoucement

CANA: Vatican Move Recognizes Reality of Anglican Divide

News Reports:

Telegraph: Pope throws a lifeline to the Church of England for women bishops

Reuters: Pope approves document on Anglicans joining church

Associated Press: Vatican creates new structure for Anglicans

Ruth Gledhill (Times blog) : Pope unity move ‘not act of proselytism or aggression’ says Rowan Williams

Ruth Gledhill & Richard Owen (Times News): Vatican moves to poach traditional Anglicans.