February 6, 2004

Yet Again

Synod to debate Pope's supremacy

The Church of England is being asked to take its biggest step towards accepting the primacy of the Pope and the concept of infallibility since Henry VIII broke from Rome 450 years ago.

A joint Roman Catholic and Anglican report arguing that the Pope should be recognised as the "universal primate" is to be debated by the General Synod next month.

The only reason this doesn't tick me off as much as it should is because I'm virtually certain it's never going to happen. But I really would like to know why the powers that be insist on bringing this up over and over again. And do they ever consider asking us peons what we think? Of course not.

Sorry, this is a subject that just makes me all grumpy.

Posted by Ithildin at February 6, 2004 5:11 PM | PROCURE FINE OLD WORLD ABSINTHE

Well, I think they should consider the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, too. A bit closer to direct descent from Peter, if by way of Constantine's takeover. Rome, on the other hand, split off later when the Bishop of Rome decided he had enough support against the changes (and taxes) coming from Byzantium to declare himself Pope.

Posted by: offut at February 7, 2004 11:43 PM

Ha Ha. You're going to become an idol-worshipping Papist. (At least the part of the ECUSA that doesn't become crystal worshipping New Agers.)

Anyhow, you're right that it's not going to happen. Putting aside the consecration of practising homosexual bishops, my understanding is that the ordination of women has created a fairly unclosable rift in movements toward ecumenism.

Posted by: Peter Sean Bradley at February 8, 2004 11:59 AM

I thank God, literally, for Martin Luther and the reformation! "Primacy of the Pope and his infallibility?" All men are fallible, and Jesus is the only intercessor I need.

Posted by: Ian at February 8, 2004 4:52 PM

Not to mention that I don't really want the concept of 'universal-primate-as-a-good-thing' spreading.

Reminds me too much of the various End Times fiction I've read, y'know?

Posted by: Dave at February 8, 2004 7:37 PM