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The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk
October 26, 2009
Bishop Sisk issued the following statement today, October 26, regarding the Vatican's announcement of new provisions for receiving Anglicans into the Roman Catholic church.
As the Episcopal Bishop of New York I am happy to welcome the Vatican's recent acknowledgement of a considerable overlap in faith between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church; clearly our 40 years of ecumenical conversation have borne fruit. This overlap has been implicit since the Roman Church established its so-called "Pastoral Provision" for former Episcopalians in 1980. The thrust of the recent press release of October 20th seems to underline that provision and to extend its potential to greater dimensions and numbers beyond the few "Anglican Use" parishes that have been added to the Roman fold in this country in the intervening years.
The implications and motivations of the Vatican’s recent statement have been widely debated. I see no reason to assume anything other than the stated purpose of providing a pastoral response to those members of the Anglican Communion who wish full communion with the Holy See.
My hope for all people is that they come to an ever deeper awareness of the profound embrace of God’s love for each and all of us, and for creation itself. Clearly the Church of Rome is a community that has nurtured countless souls in that hope. If there are those in our midst who wish the particular perspective of the Catholic faith that the Church of Rome provides, I would be less than faithful to my pastoral duties not to encourage them to make that submission. However, at the same time, I feel impelled to say that I believe that the perspective on the Catholic faith that the Episcopal Church offers has its own equal integrity and authenticity. Our two traditions share much in common; yet each also offers to its adherents distinct gifts and demands. It is, therefore, not at all uncommon to have members move from one community of faith to the other.
Certainly it is only fair to say that The Episcopal Church in general, and the Diocese of New York in particular, have been enormously enriched by the gifts and the perspectives of the many people of faith who, after conscientious reflection, have chosen to join our ranks; I would wish no less for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters.
I am happy to say that here in the New York diocese, our relations with the Roman Catholic archdiocese remain on very good terms, and I look forward to the further development of a warm collegial relationship with Archbishop Dolan, whose installation I was pleased to attend.
+Mark
The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk
