The importance of Christian unity cannot be emphasized enough, because Jesus Christ founded one Church and one Church only. This is not just a matter of faith, but of historical fact. The divisions that have occurred over the centuries are a sad testimony to the Fall and the effects of original sin. The separation of Christians from each other is contrary to God's will, a wound to Christ's body and a scandal to the outside world. It is like the amputation of limbs from a body, or divorce and the breakup of a family.

On the night before he died our Lord, recognizing the severe trials that would threaten his little flock, prayed that his disciples would remain united: "I do not pray for these only," he said, "but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (Jn 17:20-21).

In the United States alone, there are tens of thousands of Christian churches, sects and religious groups that are not in union with the Catholic Church. We recognize, however, that while the fullness of the Church established by Christ subsists in the Catholic Church, "many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside of its visible structure" (Lumen Gentium, No. 8). As Catholics, we can affirm those elements that are true gifts of Christ: notably the word of God, prayer, baptism and, of course, Jesus Christ himself. While there are often profound differences between the Catholic Church and Protestants in matters of faith and morals, these four things serve as "forces impelling toward catholic unity."

The Pastoral Provision was created in response to numerous requests from members of the Anglican or Episcopal Church who were seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. Under this provision, the ordination of married Episcopal priests was made possible. The dispensation from the discipline of clerical celibacy for these converts is an expression of holy Mother Church's loving concern for individuals who could not, in good conscience, remain in the Episcopal Church because of serious moral and doctrinal innovations contrary to Catholic tradition. In allowing such men to be ordained Catholic priests, the Church honors their commitment to the Gospel. She also recognizes the valuable gifts they bring to the Church in terms of experience and education.

The Second Vatican Council acknowledged a special relationship between Rome and the Anglican Communion. The council fathers singled out the Anglican Church among all the churches that separated from Rome at the time of the Reformation saying "Among those in which Catholic traditions and institutions in part continue to exist, the Anglican Communion occupies a special place."

Even though there are significant differences between us and Episcopalians, especially in the domain of marriage and family and the sanctity of human life, the liturgy of the Episcopal Church is very similar to that of the Catholic Church. Worship centers on the Eucharist and the Sunday readings are nearly identical.

The Episcopal Church is "sacramental" in the way it values how God uses sensible things to communicate his grace. The Episcopal Church has a special sensitivity and appreciation for the liturgy, which is probably its most distinctive characteristic. History and tradition are valued, as are reason and intelligence in discerning God's will. As a practical matter, an Episcopal minister doesn't have to make as big of a leap as other Protestant clergymen do when they become Catholic. For these reasons, the Pastoral Provision pertains specifically to Episcopal clergymen.

The Pastoral Provision, it must be stressed, is a pastoral response to the needs of Episcopal ministers seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. More recently, Pope Benedict XVI, in an effort to nurture further Anglican-Catholic unity, created another bridge over the Tiber by promulgating an apostolic constitution in November of 2009, Anglicanorum Coetibus (Groups of Anglicans). This new document allows Anglicans to enter into full communion with Rome in groups, holding on to their "spiritual patrimony." An extraterritorial jurisdiction, similar to a military vicariate, was created which provides for the pastoral care of former Anglicans. Its members are full members of the Catholic Church but belong to the "ordinariate" rather than a diocese.

The unity of the Church is a reflection of the unity between the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit. If unity is damaged, the true face of Christ is obscured. Christian unity is imperative because a lack of unity results in disorder and scandal, which undermines the credibility of the Gospel and hinders the mission of the Church.

Having entered into the sanctuary of heaven, Christ constantly assures us of the "permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 667). His prayers are being answered in ways no one could imagine 45 years ago. Christian unity will not come about because of human ingenuity and effort, but through the Holy Spirit who, like the wind, blows where he wills. The Pastoral Provision of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict's apostolic constitution show us how the Spirit is moving to bring about the unity willed by Christ.

-----Most Rev. James D. Conley is auxiliary bishop of the Denver Catholic Archdiocese.