Are There Any Members/Movements within the Anglican Church to Reunite with the Roman Catholic Church?

Yes, there are indeed movements and efforts within the Anglican Church to reunite with the Roman Catholic Church. However, such a reunion is not looking too likely due to several issues, particularly concerning women's ordination and same-sex marriage.

Historical and Modern Reunification Efforts

The push for unity or reunion in the Christian sphere is known as ecumenism. The formal dialogues established between communions to resolve misunderstandings and overcome theological differences are referred to as ecumenical dialogues.

Ancient efforts towards such unity within the Anglican Communion include Methodists, Tractarians, and the Oxford movement. The Malines Conversations and the Society of the Atonement also contributed to these early ecumenical movements. Yet, the formal dialogue began in earnest with the Second Vatican Council and the meeting between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey in 1966.

The formal Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) was established in 1969 to facilitate ongoing discussions. The ARCIC has met in three phases, producing numerous joint statements, agreements, study documents, and proposals throughout its history.

Anglican Use in the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church

There are several examples of Anglicans embracing Catholic liturgical practices. The Anglican Use in the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church allows Anglicans to retain their liturgical traditions while adhering to Catholic liturgical norms. Members like myself are eligible for this practice, and priests who previously served in the Anglican Church have been ordained as Latin Rite priests and now serve Anglican communities.

Notably, the Anglican Use in the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church allows for the continuation of Anglican liturgical practices while being in communion with the Catholic Church.

Ecumenical Dialogues and Unity

Despite significant efforts at ecumenical dialogue, there are still two main issues that hinder a total reunification: women's ordination and same-sex marriage. These differences reflect broader theological and societal shifts in the Anglican and Catholic traditions.

Exploring Ecumenical Principles

The governing principle that guides these dialogues is known as the Lund Principle. This principle, endorsed by the Anglican province of the US in 1976, stipulates that churches should act together on matters where agreement can be reached. Where deep differences persist, they should act separately. This principle is encapsulated in the statement that the Episcopal Church, at every level of its life, should be urged to act together and in concert with other churches of Jesus Christ in all matters except those where deep differences of conviction or church order compel separation.

These principles are codified in the work of organizations like the Inter-Anglican Affairs and Ecumenical Relations Committee (IARCCUM), which was established to address gaps between formal theological agreement and the unity felt by laypeople.

Additionally, national churches and local dioceses often establish their own formal dialogues and partnerships. Examples include the Anglican-Roman Catholic Consultation USA, which began in 1965 and remains active today. Many Catholic and Anglican parishes have formed covenant partnerships, collaborating in various initiatives such as prayer, Bible study, and relief efforts.

Conclusion

While the efforts to reunite the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches are ongoing, the differences in doctrine and practice, particularly around women's ordination and same-sex marriage, remain significant barriers. However, the progress made through ecumenical dialogues and the shared commitment to Christian unity offer hope that these differences can eventually be overcome.