Holy See delegate urges Anglo-Catholics: accept Pope’s offer of unity

March 02, 2011

Auxiliary Bishop Peter Elliott of Melbourne, a former Anglican who now serves as the Holy See’s delegate for the Australian ordinariate, is urging Anglo-Catholics to “lay down [their] weapons” and seek full communion with the Holy See.

“I would caution people who still claim to be Anglo-Catholics and yet are holding back,” he said. “I’d say ‘when are you going to face realities,’ because there’s no place for classical Anglo-Catholics in the Anglican Communion anymore.”

“These realities seem to be lost on some Anglo-Catholics who are tempted to make a desperate last stand by just staying where they are,” he added. “Permit me to suggest that it is a waste of time and spiritual energy to cling to such a dangerous illusion. Valuing the Catholic faith should not be confused with polemics. Let me quietly invite you to lay down weapons of controversies that are now pointless, to set aside endless intrigues which led nowhere, to walk away from futile conflicts which cannot build up the Body of Christ in charity. Accept the invitation of the Vicar of Christ on earth.”

“The gentle man who reaches out to you in Anglicanorum Coetibus has no ulterior motives,” he continued, referring to Pope Benedict’s apostolic constitution. “His apostolic offer is clear. There is no deception here. He calls you to peace.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• 'Lay down your weapons: Elliott to Anglicans (The Record)