THE P
RTAL
Father Peter ’ s Page
Another giant step ...
June 2012 Page 16
The creation this month of The Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross is an historic step in ecumenism – not only for our friends ‘ down under ’ – but for the whole of Christendom .
It is another important enactment of the historic vision of Pope Benedict XV ! as set out in the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus . It is further proof – if proof was needed – that his vision for Unity is not limited to the UK or the USA : but is for the whole Anglican Communion wherever former members desire reconciliation with the Holy See .
The Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross , under the patronage of St Augustine of Canterbury
We wait with interest – and heartfelt prayers – for whoever is called to be The Ordinary . At a personal level I am excited over the choice since I have so many friends and contacts in Australia built over many visits to that Continent during my time as General Secretary of The Church Union .
If the Ordinariate has been created some 10 – 15 years ago , there would have been one clear leader that everyone in Australia would have expected : Fr John Fleming of Adelaide .
Fr John Fleming
As the dynamic leader then of the Anglo-Catholic movement then , and an outstanding witness to Anglicans who have become reconciled in that Continent since he became a Catholic priest , he would have been the natural choice . All his ministry has been marked by his courage , outstanding witness , titanic intellect and unflagging energy for the cause of Unity and Truth . A formidable debater , and inspiring preacher & priest , he would have swept all before him .
Convinced by the Truth
He has set out his moving and interesting personal story in his book : Convinced by the Truth [ ISBN : 9781921421112 ]. Written as an attempt to explain to his daughters – who were too young at the time to fully understand – the causes and reasons for his conversion ( and the personal cost that this involved ), it will resonate with readers throughout the world since the questions he wrestled with , and the only ultimate solution , are similar throughout space and time .
Anglicanorum coetibus
What will be of particular interest to some is Part 3 . In this he recounts the early days of discussions between the TAC ( the Traditional Anglican Communion ) and Rome and the solution that Fr Fleming suggested as a solution to full reconciliation . Among so much that he has done in the past , here will be found a vital contribution which he contributed towards the solution expounded by Anglicanorum coetibus .
When the history of our current exciting times comes to be written , there will be many people who will be seen – in their own way – to have made a vital input to the process . I hope that some scholar will collate such material and names before memories fade .
What is important to remember , and perhaps in humility to be repeated ad infinitum , is that the current situation is the result of many painful years of work and witness by a variety of people throughout the whole of the Anglican Communion . The current leaders are but the heirs and successors of valiant pioneers before them .
Seeds sown in different parts of the worldwide Communion may take generations to materialise . As we rejoice – and thank God – for the Ordinariate in Australia , our thoughts and prayers must be : Where next ?
When I visited South Africa in the past , I was often reminded of Archbishop Fisher ’ s words that the Anglican Church there once “ was the jewel in the Anglo-Catholic crown ”.
Is anyone in that Province listening and responding . . . I wonder ?
Father Peter Geldard