People want faith not polity

Q: The Vatican is making it easier for Anglicans -- priests, members and parishes -- to convert to Catholicism. Some say this is further recognition of the substantial overlap in faith, doctrine and spirituality between the Catholic and Anglican traditions; others see it as poaching that could further divide the Anglican Communion. What do you think?

If we live in a world that is largely post-denominational (and that is especially true in the U.S.), I am not sure this move will mean very much to those both inside and outside the two faith traditions at issue here. It is a political move that could involve significant numbers, but the real stakes are low. The actual move is sadly like a footnote in an obscure academic text buried in the stacks of a university library. Most people of faith and certainly those outside of the faith simply do not care about such church policy and polity chess moves.

However, the discussion that it has started could have and likely already has had an important effect on the national conversation about religion and spirituality. With outlets like the Washington Post, The Colbert Report, The New York Times Sunday Op Ed section, Beliefnet and many, many more media vehicles devoting space and time to it, we have a nice little event in front of us that is raising important questions. Few really care about whether the Archbishop and the Pope are dueling or just how many parishes might make crossover to the RCC.

What people do care about is where the leadership of the church sees real people and real people's commitments on deeply felt needs such as vocation and sexuality. For this, we ought to be thankful that the RCC has opened this can of worms. It gives great thinkers, leaders and writers the chance to address the real, underlying issues in a very public way once again.

As a side note, I am sure the RCC has made the bet that they can take on these disgruntled Anglicans and their married clergy because their conservative approach to matters of doctrine will not upset the current traditional church stance on leadership. But wouldn't it be interesting if this move was the top of a slippery slope toward finally having married priests in the RCC. Of course, this is what the RCC needs desperately along with female priests. It is not likely to happen, but wouldn't it be fun?

By Mark Tauber  |  October 27, 2009; 2:03 PM ET
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