Are there any Anglicans/Episcopalians here?

[Raiders112390]

I don't mean to be overly personal, but I was just curious if there were any Anglicans/Episcopalians here? The reason I ask is I'm a Catholic that's considering converting and I've read a lot about the Church of England and the Anglican Communion and I wanted to hear about it from real people who would be honest-I could read all the church documents in the world and speak to as many priests as I like but I just want some real stories or information on the Church from members/former members.

[Attila the Professor]

Well, I'm not an Anglican or an Episcopalian; in fact, I'm a Catholic too. But I do think that these churches tend to be pretty soundly traditional, reasonable, and welcoming, from all that I can tell. So, while I'm a pretty loyal, if non-practicing (not through any real complaints, but more through laziness - I'm very Catholic in worldview and philosophy, if not necessarily in exact doctrinal requirements), I do think quite highly of these high-church churches.

Do you mind my asking why you're thinking of converting, or is that not really relevant?

[Raiders112390]

Well, I'm not an Anglican or an Episcopalian; in fact, I'm a Catholic too. But I do think that these churches tend to be pretty soundly traditional, reasonable, and welcoming, from all that I can tell. So, while I'm a pretty loyal, if non-practicing (not through any real complaints, but more through laziness - I'm very Catholic in worldview and philosophy, if not necessarily in exact doctrinal requirements), I do think quite highly of these high-church churches.

Do you mind my asking why you're thinking of converting, or is that not really relevant?

Well, I think the Catholic Church has kind of fallen in terms of ''seriousness''. I think Vatican II sort of rewrote the rules--and not for the better. I don't think many Catholics take the religion as seriously anymoe and I find feeling the same. I like the way the Anglican church tries to recreate the early, more 'local' if you will structure of the Church, along with their views on secular and religious matters--for example, allowing priests to marry; allowing women to be ordained. I think the Catholic Church is also a little bit too controlling--For example, on abortion, the Anglicans say that while it's advised to take guidance from a priest before taking any action, the matter is a spiritual issue purely between God and yourself. It's neutral on that.