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No, not at all. Cranmer and King Edward divorced sacramental reality from the intent of the celebrant, especially regarding ordination of priests. The ECUSA has made the belief that homosexual behavior is acceptable a tenet of belief, something the Roman Catholic faith has not done. In Roman Catholicism, homosexual behavior is not moral, is not acceptable, is not part of being a bishop, all of which is now a tenet of the ECUSA. That sin is present in the RC church is not new: that it is not wrong is part of the new ECUSA.

You wrote "The ECUSA has made the belief that homosexual behavior is acceptable a tenet of belief, something the Roman Catholic faith has not done. In Roman Catholicism, homosexual behavior is not moral, is not acceptable, is not part of being a bishop, all of which is now a tenet of the ECUSA. That sin is present in the RC church is not new: that it is not wrong is part of the new ECUSA."

ah, I see, where you're confused is that you mistake ecusa's actions for those of the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Communion (as with the Roman Catholic church) is in the process of correcting the sinful errors propagated by some within ecusa. Homosexual behavior is no less a sin in Anglicanism than it is in Roman Catholicism. In the same manner, those Roman Catholic leaders in the US, Austria, and elsewhere who are trying to change that fact are no more representative of Roman Catholicism than ecusa's leaders are representative of Anglicanism.

You realize, of course, that the Anglicans on this board for the most part oppose the ECUSA's current policy.

Anglican ecclesiology is different from that of Roman Catholicism. We don't have the concept of a "Magisterium" in our Church. No one, not even the Archbishop of Canterbury, speaks for the entire Church, and certainly not ex cathedra. In fact, such an idea is repugnant to most Anglicans.

You may regard this as a defect in our Church, but many of us regard it as one of Anglicanism's chief strengths. Yes, this approach can let heresy in, but it can just as readily drive it out.

And that's what's happening right now. The story is not over, stick around for the ending, it may surprise you.

I just knew Geezer would get beat up for his remark about Crammer. What can I say it's a tough neighborhood and this bunch of Anglicans will rough you up if you dare to use the wrong fork. :-D

Geezer has a good point but shouldn't be surprised if a few rocks break those large plate glass windows in our own Catholic Church. As a convert to the Catholic Church from the Episcopalian Church I feel everyone's pain. At some times I feel I jumped from the pan into the fire. It is true this is a new twist, it is an attack on the most basic of beliefs and it is in some way traceable to events 500 years ago. The boundary stones of the fathers were removed and it has taken some time but it was bound to happen, someone was going to get lost.

That being said I can not help but wonder if the Catholic Church is not in large measure responsible for what is happening in the ECUSA. I know I am going to be beat up by everyone for this but it has been awhile since I climbed up on the cross so it is high time. It is my belief the one true church is the Roman Catholic Church and there is no salvation outside the Church. This is not to say all Protestants go to hell. I do not know but the engine and the salvation of the human race is won by the Catholic Mass and Catholic devotions and Catholic prayers. My theory is the devout Catholic is saving a few more souls than they know. Their prayers for sinners and the dearly departed may have benefits that is not fully understood. This thought propels me to more prayer and more devotions than I would otherwise.

In short the Catholic Church is the engine that pulls all others in its path. It is unfortunate that the Catholic Church as floundered. Devotions are abandoned along with Church attendance. The Church remains correct on issues such as Homosexuality but just barely. The hesitation is in the voice of Bishops and Priests. The Pope goes to Assisi and gives equal status to Pagans, Islam, Hindus, Buddhist as well as Protestants. The message my be officially correct but the actions and statements of Catholic officials give clear indication they do not believe. So why shouldn't a gay man living in the world today ask why not? Words from politicians in Church vestments mean nothing when the actions scream "go ahead, we understand, we are with you and will join you just as soon as we can" Some priest have chosen not to wait such as Vicki Gene Robinson or Catholic priests siting in courthouses as we speak.

The Shepherds have been replaced by hirelings. The real problem with the Anglican Communion is they lost Christ's presence 500 years ago and have had to read by borrowed light. No Transubstantiation then Christ is not with them and now the Catholic Church stands ready to follow Crammer's or Luther's example. Is it any wonder Grace is fading from the world. Christ's presence is lost in more and more Churches throughout the world. I do not care how many new Christians there are or how many new Churches are built they never invite Christ. This is a problem in the Catholic Church as well as the Episcopalian Church because many Priests do not believe in Transubstantiation and so do not effect the right words and have not the proper intent. They are not Baptizing as they should and the Ordinations are a mess. Human effort will not help if we do not seek Divine assistance.

I hope the best for my Anglican friends and will do all I can for them (see 3rd paragraph). The best I can do may not be enough because all the Churches are sinking in the mire, God have mercy on us.