Our catholic orders stem from our bishops in apostolic succession. Where our bishops are, there is the church. Without these bishops, there is no church. To me, as a catholic Anglican, this is more significant than a Lutheran pastor being authorized to preside at the Eucharist [TLC, Aug. 20]. This may seem unchristian to our Lutheran brothers and sisters, but it would be difficult for me to accept a Lutheran pastor presiding at our Eucharist without said pastor being made a priest by one of our bishops. Of course, some of our small churches are so desperate to have a pastor, they would probably accept anyone who is theologically trained, regardless of what seminary or denomination he or she comes from. My concern is, would the small parish lose its catholicity? I believe we temporarily would, until the new Lutheran seminarians are ordained by a valid bishop.

Brad Phillips

Earlville, N.Y.