The news regarding the personal ordinariates for disgruntled Anglicans to ‘come home’ to Rome was a shock to many, especially those of us who left the Anglican Tradition for a more orthodox Christian expression of the faith.

This is wonderful news for Rome and for those Anglicans who feel that they can exist as Anglican Roman Catholics (not sure how this is going to work out yet).

But, I must ask the question, what does this mean for the PNCC?  I have always supported dialog with those Anglicans who still uphold the faith of the One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and many say that I am biased, and that is fine.  But for me, and I believe for the entire PNCC I see this as a missed opportunity and another blow to the decline of the Old Catholic Faith in the US.

As one priest who is on his way from Cantebury to Rome told me; “Scranton or Rome?  Fr. I am sorry, but I must go back to Rome.  Scranton does not offer me a place as an Anglo-Catholic.”
Why has the PNCC been so negligent in talking with our Anglican brothers and sisters?  We have more in common with them than we do with Rome!  Nevertheless, Rome wins this round.  Rome has welcomed to the Catholic faith many who have been searching for a long, long time.

The PNCC with it’s new Declaration of Scranton and no real hopes for union or communion with anyone in the near future will have to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask “who are we?”  “who is out there” “what can we offer”. Perhaps the Lutherans or Methodists are interested in communion with the PNCC??

All kidding aside, no one is really sure how this is going to work out for the Anglicans who swim the Tiber.  Will they truly be able to remain Anglican?  Can one be Anglican and Roman Catholic?  All I know is this, one could be Anglican and National Catholic if the PNCC were willing to allow it.

But now the question an Anglican priest or layman will ask themselves is “Rome or Scranton”?  And unfortunately, I feel Rome will be home for many more in the future.

I commend Pope Benedict for this hospitality to those who feel that the Anglican Communion has stepped away from the Catholic Faith.  I pray for for all Anglicans and Catholics who are discerning a decision, especially my friends and family.   Christ prayed that all may be one, and this is a step in the right direction.

Perhaps the PNCC might be next?