What is the Pastoral Provision?
The
Pastoral Provision is a generous arrangement made by the Holy
See in 1980 for those who were formerly priests and lay-people in
the Episcopal Church and who now wish to enter into full
communion in the Roman Catholic Church while retaining some
elements of their Anglican heritage and customs.
This provision notably allows for the continuance of an
"Anglican style" liturgy, approved by the Vatican, in The
Book of Divine Worship. It also provides a mechanism whereby
former Episcopal priests who are married may be ordained to the
Roman Catholic priesthood.
Organizational Document