The article which was reprinted from the website of the Toronto Ordinariate Group was posted as a positive and encouraging sign that things are moving. After the confusing "it's off, it's on again" accounts about the Canadian situation, here was proof positive that it's full steam ahead. That's why it's so disappointing to read some of the comments that followed, which have been thrown like so many stink-bombs.
The very idea of asserting that Archbishop Collins has exhibited "contempt and disgust" towards some of the Anglicans is breathtaking. I've spoken with the archbishop at great length, and he has never — not once — said anything to support such an accusation. Quite the contrary, in fact. He takes the responsibility of implementing Anglicanorum coetibus very seriously, and is determined to provide everything necessary for a successful Canadian Ordinariate. Since this is a task specifically given to him by the Holy See, can anyone of sound mind think (even for a moment) that he would then proceed in such a way as to drive Anglicans away? Archbishop Collins certainly doesn't need any defense from me, but I have to express my astonishment that anyone would assign bad motives to him.
One of the problems, I think, is the tendency some people have of trying to force their own vision of how things "should be." Man has often tried to create God in his own image, and something akin to that is being done by some when it comes to the Ordinariates. "It should be done this way." "No, it should be done that way." "We're not being respected." "They're being treated better than we are." "He doesn't like us." With that much "whine," one can only ask, "Where's the cheese?"
Like hypochondriacs who are disappointed when they feel well, so I think that are some who claim to be headed into the Ordinariate, but who will be disappointed if it actually works. Any sign of hope — any indication of progress — is greeted with "Yes, but…!" I don't pretend to understand the motive, but it certainly seems to be present.
Are there people who actually think that by hurling insults at the Vatican's appointed delegate, it's going to make him do things their way? Are there those who think that by dissing the way things are being done, they're going to change the established system? If there are such people, they're sadly mistaken.
The Ordinariates are being established in accordance with the vision of the Holy Father, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Discussion — even animated discussion — is great. But when it gets into insulting statements and baseless accusations, well… let's remember Gamaliel's advice.
Related posts:
My Story on Archbishop Collins and AnglicansThe Archbishop of Canterbury Comments on the Ordinariates to Vatican RadioPreparing for the Canadian OrdinariateThe Chicken or Egg Dilemma for the OrdinariatesOfficial Canadian Ordinariate Web Presence
Fr. Christopher G. Phillips is the pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he has served for the past twenty-seven years. He is the founding pastor of the first Anglican Use parish, erected in 1983 under the terms of the Pastoral Provision. Fr. Phillips was ordained as an Anglican for the Diocese of Bristol, England, in 1975. After serving as Curate for three years at St. Stephen Southmead, he returned to the United States and served in two Episcopal parishes in the Diocese of Rhode Island. In 1981 he left the Episcopal Church and moved with his family to Texas, where he was subsequently ordained as a Catholic priest in 1983. Fr. Phillips and his wife, JoAnn, have been married for forty years. They have five children, all grown and married, and two grandchildren. 
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