My Catholic friend wants to be an Episcopalian.

[Usbek de Perse]

I believe you would say that he is returning to Anglicanism. The Episcopal Church is the American branch of the Anglican Communion.

There is no merger between Catholicism and Anglicanism. The Catholic church has allowed Anglican who want to, to become Catholic but retain Anglican worship with some modifications. Married Episcopal/Anglican priests are allowed to be reordained as Catholic priests, and there are new structures outside the normal dioceses that direct these priests.

Nothing has happened with Episcopalians. We remain the same fractious bunch.

Originally Posted by twohearts14

I learned on Facebook today that one of my friends is formally entering the Episcopalian Chuch in a few months. I think he converted to Catholicism in high school from Anglicanism, but has decided now in his last year of college to become Episcopalian.

The weird thing about this is that he attends a traditional Catholic college and his mother, who was in the process of taking vows as an eremitic, appears to be supporting him. So do all of the friends who have replied to his post on Facebook. This seems odd to me. I remember that the Anglican Church had some kind of merger with the Catholic Church. Is it possible that something similar happened with the Episcopalians that I'm not aware of? That might explain why everyone is reacting so strangely to his decision.

[Izdaari]

Originally Posted by seanman611

Nice to see a fellow Episcopalian who belongs to the Libertarian Party!

/highfive

[cmodrmac]

why the focus on human sexuality-and the undercurrent of nastiness-?
the Episcopal Church is composed of many different types of individuals-many fo whom oppose abortion -believe in the real presence and the sacraments

Many of the members are former Roman catholics who left for multiple reasons few of which involve sexuality-though I agree that many left over birth control -

Most Roman Catholics believe that they belong to the one true Church and the Holy Spirit guides the Church-that is fine -it requires faith -just reflect that there are many who do not believe this -it is what it is-

The ECUSA is rich in liturgy and ritual-they are not trying to be Roman Catholic-there are the conservatives (who would be liberal by RC standards) and the liberals -but the majority are in the center-
We pray for the universal Church and that includes both Catholcs and Episcopaleans and I would dare to say Lutherans as well

[CMatt25]

Originally Posted by cmodrmac

Most Roman Catholics believe that they belong to the one true Church and the Holy Spirit guides the Church-that is fine -it requires faith -just reflect that there are many who do not believe this -it is what it is-

What it is, is faith. Just as you said Roman Catholics require faith to believe what they believe. As far as your question why the nastiness, I haven't a clue if Roman Catholics are secure in their own faith, why Episcopalians draw such negative discussion on these forums. Other than the only thing I can think of is since they believe they know they hold the one truth, it's part of the process of spreading what they believe is the one true faith. In any case God bless you on your faith journey and peace.