Can you explain why or why not there is true consecration of the euchrist in the services of the Eastern Rites, Anglican, Episcopalians? I have been told that the Eastern Rites are legitimate because they have true linkage to the Apostles, and that the Anglican and Episcopalians priesthoods have the same authenticity - hence the ability of an Epicople priest to become a Roman Catholic priest.

-- Bob Hennessy (bobhen@hotmail.com), April 23, 2002

Answers

The Anglicans do not have valid orders/apostolic successtion. I believe there is a papal document explaining this..Chris Butler probably knows the one...

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), April 23, 2002.

Christina is right, Bob.

In 1896, Pope Leo XIII issued an apostolic letter, "Apostolicae curae," which declared that "ordinations" in the Anglican communion were "completely null and void." I believe that the reason is that the schismatic 16th-century bishops of the Church in England failed to preserve the proper character of the priesthood (sacrificial), changing the ceremony of ordination, etc.. Here is the text of the document.

But, Bob, you were mistaken about one thing. There actually IS valid consecration of the Eucharist -- actually all seven valid sacraments -- in the Eastern churches, including those that are still in schism (e.g., Eastern Orthodox and other ancient "Apostolic" churches).

Please read this interesting and short article about Anglican "priests" and congregations becoming Catholic.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), April 25, 2002.