From Here:
October 21, 2009 -
The following is a statement from Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, in response to the Vatican’s announcement of an Apostolic Constitution earlier this week.
I hereby acknowledge the announcement of the Apostolic Constitution (a formal papal decree) whereby Pope Benedict XVI makes provision for groups of Anglicans who, while retaining certain aspects of Anglican Tradition, wish to be received into communion with the See of Rome. I offer the following comments.
This is not an entirely new phenomenon. For a number of years, Rome has made provisions for individual Anglicans to be received. What is unique about this provision is that it responds to groups of Anglicans who have made special enquiries. Who these groups are has not been announced.
As Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said in a letter to the Bishops of the Church of England and to the Primates of the Anglican Communion, “It remains to be seen what use will be made of this provision since it is now up to those who have made requests to the Holy See to respond to the Apostolic Constitution.”
It is not clear how their desire to retain certain aspects of Anglican Tradition will be honoured. That may spelled out in more detail in the “code of practice” within the constitution.
From a Canadian perspective I do not foresee a groundswell of response to these provisions. I say this knowing that even among those who have separated themselves from the Anglican Church of Canada, there is an abiding desire to remain in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and to maintain a place within the family of churches we know as the Anglican Communion.
I believe that among the vast majority of Anglicans and Roman Catholics in Canada and in the world there is a genuine commitment to build on 40 years of formal dialogue between our Communions. We acknowledge substantial agreement on many matters of faith. We embrace the call to action articulated in the 2007 statement Growing Together in Unity and Mission produced by the International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission on Unity and Mission. That statement takes us into a new phase of common witness in the service of the Gospel — locally, nationally, and internationally.
While this announcement from the Vatican creates some shock waves, I do not believe them to be seismic. I believe the greater will of the whole church while acknowledging our “real but imperfect communion” is to continue steadfast in dialogue that will lead us more deeply into that unity for which The Lord prays, “That they all may be one.” (John 17:21)
Fred Hiltz
Archbishop and Primate
Hiltz, like many others, seems to be missing the main point here. What the RC Church is doing is essentially an intervention. Offering a haven to the disaffected within Anglicanism is a deliberate slap in the face to the Anglican leadership, Rowan Williams in particular. It’s an acknowledgement of the fact that no real alternative provision has been made for traditional Anglicans by their own leaders despite years of conflict and controversy.
Whether the RC offer is accepted by large numbers of Anglicans is really irrelevant. This offer is generating global headlines, underlining once again the turmoil in our church. That makes it much harder for Anglican leaders to pretend either that there is no major schism underway, or that they’ve made any kind of adequate provision for the dissenters.
Would Archbishop Hiltz would take practical steps to be a church of unity by moving back to a more catholic faith or would he carry on down the path of division which the ACOC is spiralling to a major schism.
Given Cardinal Ratzinger’s sharp criticism of the Anglican communion when he was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (and known to the press as “God’s rottweiler”), it should surprise no one that as Pope Benedict XV he’s taking advantage of the current schism to encourage disaffected Anglicans to go to Rome. In his position, I’d probably do the same.
If Fred Hiltz was truly interested in unity and the truth he would have taken action as soon as he was elected as Primate to rid the House of Bishops from apostates led by Michael Ingham and Michael Bird. Failure to do so has resulted in the fatal disease of apostasy to spread unrestricted through the House of Bishops and the ACoC as a whole. The issue is NOT whether we are or are not in communion with Canterbury but rather that we are in communion with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. That communion cannot be there until this disease of apostasy is weeded out of the ACoC.
One can only conclude that Fred Hiltz holds to the position of being “politically correct” or “politically acceptable”. Nothing including the true Gospel will be allowed to interfere with his objective. This was proven by his visit to Vancouver when he praised Michael Ingham for his insight in seeking acceptance and approval of conduct that is clearly contrary to Scripture. It is time he and all other so-called bishops and clergy came to realize we are called to witness to society – not fall into line with their perspectives. To be an Anglican requires one to first be a Christian – that is accepting the authority of Scripture and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ.
If Fred Hiltz is so concerned with true Anglicans he would quickly recognize the ANiC and the new province for orthodox Anglicans. Doing so would mandate an order to cease and desist from all actions current and pending against orthodox parishes. That is Anglicans that seek to remain true to the Gospel. Failure to do so clearly places him in the camp of the apostates. Fred Hiltz may well be a polished politician but definitely NOT a leader seeking to bring or keep the church true to the Gospel.
Five streams on essentially the same subject – a bit confusing, what?
Where was the, “individuals can leave, but churches can’t” stuff? Hum. I wonder if the next phase will be the Vatican suing the ABC for the return of Canterbury Cathedral?
#6 – LOL.
“I believe the greater will of the whole church while acknowledging our “real but imperfect communion” is to continue steadfast in dialogue that will lead us more deeply into that unity for which The Lord prays, “That they all may be one.” (John 17:21) so saith Fred Hiltz.
I think that he is very aware that there will be no unity of the catholic church and anglican church canada.., at least not on his watch.
Sandra dialogue is good – but we have other tools that can be used as well – after all dialogue without truth is so much dust in the wind.
From a Canadian perspective I do not foresee a groundswell of response to these provisions. I say this knowing that even among those who have separated themselves from the Anglican Church of Canada, there is an abiding desire to remain in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and to maintain a place within the family of churches we know as the Anglican Communion.
Hiltz is making this appear that we in ANiC and ACNA are not in the Worldwide Communion or is he confirming that we are indeed in Communion….Can’t be both ways…. Always like Fred, confusion even in what are seemingly straightforward words. OR AM I READING THIS ALL WRONG?
Gerry, you are not reading this all wrong. Check my submission, #4 as I believe this sets out the real situation with respect to Fred Hiltz and his apostate cohorts. They will say anything that might be swallowed by those not carefully checking out the true meaning of their statements. Until Fred Hiltz and his cohorts take the issue of apostasy in hand, there can be no unity. You cannot mix truth and apostasy any more than you can mix gas and water.
With a Mennonite grandfather on my dad’s side and an Orangeman grandfather on my mom’s side, I am not likely to go to Rome. But I am glad that someone else out there sees, cares and is willing to do something to help.
Jac; If I read you correctly it would seem that you think Rome is trying to be helpful. Perhaps you should reconsider your ancestoral negativity. I do hope I’m wrong.
Story – Farmer Brown’s barn is on fire-Farmer Smith while watching the fire goes to Farmer Brown and says “Winters commin How be I take some of those cows off’n yer hands. Farmer Brown says thanks neighbour I know your trying to be helpful and all ………