…and the hubris will work against them
For instance on some of the posts listed at WDTPRS (here and here for example, but there’s a lot more out there). While its all great to be happy for those who have been given the option to enter the Catholic faith, it is uncharitable to grunt with glee over the Archbishop of Canturbury’s embarrassment, the reclaiming of properties, etc. You can be right about something and maintain charity as well.
What do I hear? We were right all along, you’re stupid (as were your ancestors), have nothing to offer us really, and give us the dang buildings back. Nice…
It’s a huge turn off for anyone who would even think of discussing next steps. PNCC and Orthodox folks take note.
This kind of thing (the uncharitable commentary I mean) really is over the top, unfortunate, and does nothing to promote unity in the future.
I don’t think WDTPRS is representative of the attitude most most members of the Roman Church, though. This isn’t entirely an academic discussion, as I have heard PNCC faithful and clergy pushing hard for women’s ordination and acceptance of homosexual clery, marriage, etc, and various meetings and at a PNCC diocesan synod as well. If that sort of thing gains ground in the PNCC as it has in the Episcopal Church , and now with ELCA (Lutheran), PNCC members could find themselves in the same situation ina few years.
Amaveral,
I agree that WDTPRS is not totally representative (nor is it wholly bad in any way, much that is there is very good), but does in this case represent two unfortunate things, over-the-top online forums where extremism (uber-Orthodoxy, uber-R.Cism) rule the day and the tendency in the R.C. Church for triumphalism.
On the PNCC, I know of one priest who pushes hard for ignoring Tradition and justifying positions based on his read of Scripture alone (really a Protestant view and one Bishop Hodur would never recognize). As Catholics we rely on both Scripture and Tradition. What has been handed down cannot be set aside. During the last Synod that particular priest voiced the issue. As I understand it, everyone looked for a moment, incredulous, then the gavel came down and everyone left. While certain of the clergy have many theories, as they do in any Church, I rely on the statements of our Bishops and the documents of the Church, including the Declaration of Scranton. Other definitive statements may be forthcoming and all give no allowance for this sort of innovation, nor being in union with anyone who does. Thanks be to God.