Bishop Elliott on the Ordinariate in Australia

An excerpt of a Zenit interview:

First there is the challenge of geography — Australia is the same size as mainland United States.

We have to bring together groups that are scattered, even isolated. As episcopal delegate for the bishops’ conference, my frequent flyer points are rising fast!

Then, two somewhat diverse groups have to come together: Some Anglican clergy and laity in the official Anglican Church of Australia (ACA) and most members of the Anglican Catholic Church in Australia (Traditional Anglican Communion: TAC). Both groups share an Anglo-Catholic heritage, but their history is different.

One of the fruits of the ordinariate will be their coming together in one community.

ZENIT: How will the community of former Anglicans in Japan be included into this ordinariate?

Bishop Elliott: This possibility is only in its earliest stages, so I cannot provide more details.

ZENIT: What has the general environment been like among those who seek to be part of the ordinariate?

Bishop Elliott: There is a sense of enthusiasm and anticipation among these Australian Anglicans.

Over the past 20 years they have suffered for their Catholic principles, confronted and torn apart by serious doctrinal and moral issues.

In this country, no pastoral provision was made for these good people in the official Church. They had to accept the new order or fend for themselves. They are still unfairly labeled as “disaffected Anglicans.”

At the same time, those who set up independent Anglican dioceses and parishes (TAC) suffered rejection and ridicule, and they have made great sacrifices to follow their consciences.

In both circles, they are coming to see that the Holy Father’s generous offer means peace and unity. They are diligently studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church — a good example to us all.