A Catholic perspective on the inevitable Anglican collapse.

Catholics might begin by asking themselves hard questions about why an Anglican collapse now seems inevitable; nor should they be quick to accept only the obvious answer, namely the Bishops' recent decision that there is no doctrinal objection to blessing same-sex unions. Of course, the latter decision is a pathetic capitulation to the zeitgeist; a betrayal both of Scripture and of two thousand years of Christian teaching and history. But the same-sex issue, like the issue of women priests three decades ago, remains a symptom of the core problem of Anglicanism, not the problem itself.

The core problem is twofold: first, the Anglican Church lacks a real (as opposed to a "Let's pretend") hierarchy; second, the Anglican Church lacks a sacred magisterium. These two deficiencies mean that the Anglican Church lacks authority, and without authority, no institution can survive. Those who heard Jesus speak noted that he taught "as a man having authority;" the Anglican Church has lost that authority.

It gives me no pleasure to write that. For most of my adult life I was an Anglican, and there is much to admire in Anglican history and tradition. But a Church which has lost its way, particularly a Church whose compass has no fixed, true north, will not again find its way. What the recently-concluded Anglican general synod exemplified is a Church that is increasingly lost, cut off from orthodox Christendom, indeed increasingly cut off from even the worldwide Anglican communion.

So, what should be the Catholic response?

First, we should recognize that the spectacle of altering Christian doctrine by Synod voting is repugnant to many orthodox Anglicans. Just how many orthodox Anglicans are left is difficult to say because many have already fled. But it is clear that Synod decisions are often at variance with the convictions of ordinary Anglicans; for decades it has been clear that Anglican Bishops are often out of step with their congregants. The primary motivation of most Bishops is to appear liberal and progressive; being orthodox has become a liability to Anglican preferment.

Every time the Catholic Church reaffirms core Christian teaching on divorce, abortion, same sex 'marriage,' etc. the orthodox remnant within the Anglican Church is strengthened. These people realize that they are not alone; it is publicly affirmed that they stand on the teaching of the historic Christian Church. This is important because there are few things in life lonelier than being an orthodox Christian in a no longer orthodox denomination.

Of course, many have already given up on Anglicanism and left. But those who remain, who believe that it is possible to purify their Church from within, need all the encouragement they can get. Each time a Catholic bishop or priest declines to participate in a common venture, he sends two messages: to Catholics, he says, "Orthodoxy matters." To orthodox Anglicans, he says, "You are appreciated and supported." So, please, no more joint ventures, con-celebrated services, ecumenical love-ins--no more Catholic co-operation with open Anglican apostasy.

Second, let us pray that a magnanimous way will be found to welcome Anglicans back into that "one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church" that they profess whenever they recite the creed. I am not sure how (apart from sending each convert through the RCIA program) a more general homecoming might be arranged, but God knows, and our duty is to pray not propose.

Finally, and on a personal level, now is the time for each Canadian Catholic to reach out to Anglican acquaintances. Invite them to Mass. Give them a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. If they are orthodox, they are likely to discover in the magnificent Catechism what they already believe and profess. Explain why you are a Catholic.

This is called evangelism, and since Our Lord specifically commanded it, what better time is there to be getting on with it?

Ian Hunter is Professor Emeritus from the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.