[soc.religion.christian] intercommunion, a clarification

mls@dasys1.UUCP (Michael Siemon) (09/27/89)

It was pointed out to me in email that (at least) one of my statements
in the "schism and communion" article was unclear or misleading.  Or,
more precisely, I was unclear and the statement misleading.  It is true
that Protestant ministers who enter the Anglican priesthood are ordained
-- following the same rite as the ordination of those called originally
to priestly orders in our churches.  But Catholic priests are "received"
-- as indeed are priests from other provinces of the Anglican communion
when they come to Episcopal churches.

As this was put to me when I inquired, the matter is clear in theory,
however, as is usual with Anglicanism, practice is more obscure.  Since
there is no standard liturgy for reception, individual bishops do more
or less as they like -- with some tendency to mimicing ordination rites.

At any rate, there is no theoretical or canonical bar to the validity of
Roman orders.  I'm sure Joe Buehler will be much relieved by this news. :-)

-- 
Michael L. Siemon				I cannot grow;
...!cucard!dasys1!mls			   	I have no shadow
						To run away from,
			    			I only play.