The global Anglican communion and its American expression, the Episcopal Church, has been beset with division arising over fundamental doctrinal issues which, to orthodox Christians whether they are Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant, derive from the very heart of the Christian revelation.
Pope John Paul II responded to the growing requests from priests, deacons and the lay faithful of the Anglican Communion, and its expression in the United States the Episcopal Church.
He instituted what is called the “Pastoral provision”, and placed it under the jurisdiction of the Sacred Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. The “Pastoral provision” has provided a means for Anglican or Episcopal Priests, married or celibate, seeking to come into the full communion of the Catholic Church, to be considered for Ordination in the Catholic Church.
Though it has been in effect for almost three decades, most Catholics do not even know of its existence.That may soon change! The now annual "Anglican Use" Conference recently concluded in San Antonio Texas, the home of one of the most noted "Anglican Use" parishes, "Our Lady of the Atonement". In addition the effort has given birth to the "Anglican Use Society".
The “Pastoral Provision” also authorized the establishment of what are called "Personal Parishes". These are sometimes called “Anglican use” parishes. They have been constituted in several places in the United States and are thriving.
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