You can offer whiskey instead of Gin – some Anglican clergy find that slightly irksome. You can deny the validity of Anglican sacraments – Anglican clergy without a sense of humour can find that irritating. But if you really want to annoy Anglican clergy … get their titles wrong! Anglican clergy basically all earn the same – so titles are what distinguishes the men from the boys – or whatever the inclusive version of that is.
Right Revenerends, Most Reverends, Very Reverends, Canons, Venerables, Doctors, Archdeacons, Deacons, Rural Deans, Deans, Non-stipendiary acting priest assistants, Locally Licensed Ordained Non-stipendiary Assistant Ministers, Vicars, Vicar-General, Deputy Vicar General, Priests in Charge, Presiding Bishops, Senior Bishops, Archbishops, Deacon Assistants, Ministry Educators, Chaplains, … the list goes on …
Each with their title, abbreviation, appropriate address, order of titles … dress and insignia.
Anglican clergy may not know their Greek Aorist from their Dative, but years of training make certain that one doesn’t confuse The Ven. Canon Dr. with The Very Rev. Mr. Or get the order of those titles wrong! The minute a priest is collated (and never confuse ordination, induction, collation, installation, licensing,…!!), out go all the old letterheads and visiting cards to be replaced by flashier ones with new titles and the latest popular font.
There’s much more at this link, including some observations about wardrobe. Enjoy.
posted November 10, 2009 at 11:14 am
Actually, joking aside, denying the validity of an Anglican priest’s orders/priesthood is the worst insult you can use against them, whether they have a sense of humour or not. It’s akin to telling a father that his child is not his because he shoots blanks and in fact was sired by his best friend. It’s why I hate the pope and don’t get involved in ecumenical activities. I mean, why bother when you are up against such offensive arrogance?
However, if you don’t believe me regarding this I suggest you take part in a small experiment. Go along to your nearest building site. Go up to the largest, nastiest looking bricklayer and say, “Oi, you! You’re not a bricklayer. That wall you’re working on is useless.”
After that, you probably won’t ever ask again why Catholics are so vehemently hated by so many people who are not Catholics.
posted November 10, 2009 at 3:22 pm
MadPriest, Hate is such a strong word. Deacon, Why would you write such an article. Doesn’t anyone see how much Catholics and Anglicans have in common. The article and post almost leaves me speechless, dumbfounded.
“They will know we are Christian by our Love”
posted November 10, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Madpriest,
I don’t doubt the bricklayer’s competence, nor the sturdiness of his wall. I don’t know this sterile fellow you are referring to and I have no idea who fathered his children.
But you don’t have valid orders, unless you got the Dutch Touch. because your faction of Christianity abandoned apostolic succession by monkeying with the form of the sacrament.
And apparently, disagreeing with you on matters theological is the very definition of hate. Oh well, so be it!
posted November 10, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I actually found the link quite interesting, this is coming from an Anglican priest after all so I think we can give him some wiggle room to joke about his own denomination and the authenticity of their orders.
The interesting thing I learned is that the head of the TAC (Traditional Anglican Communion), who happens to be their point man to the Vatican is divorced and remarried with three children. What will become of him?
posted November 10, 2009 at 6:38 pm
The Catholic Church has no standing to comment on the “validity” of anyone’s orders but their own. They do not speak for God.
posted November 11, 2009 at 9:00 am
Mike: Actually it does.
posted November 11, 2009 at 9:36 am
RGB only if you are Catholic.