The Café has not followed the “how many Anglicans will become Catholics now that the pope will let them keep their own liturgy” story as closely as some religion blogs because we think the answer is “not very many” and that the story is overhyped.
That said, if you want to read something smart and even-handed on this topic, have a look at this essay by the Very Rev. Jared C. Cramer, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Grand Haven, Michigan.
He says, in part:
In the end, though, I feel compelled to acknowledge that good may come out of this Ordinariate. In particular, perhaps the Ordinariate may serve as a catalyst to renewed exploration of actual full union with another Christian communion. Too many Christians, including ecumenists, believe that institutional union is passé, no longer necessary for Christianity to be full and faithful. Ramsey believed that the fullness of the church would only be possible when each divided part was united with the others. He believed strongly in real organic unity. This real unity, Ramsey believed, would enrich the orders, increase the efficacy of the Sacraments, and further the ability of the Christian church to reconcile humans to God and each other.
It could be that the Ordinariate serves only to confirm the frustrations many have with any scheme for organic unity. It could be another example of top-down policies dictated in a one-sided manner that highlights schism rather than heals it. Or, perhaps the wounding of the Body of Christ which is made evident in the Ordinariate may also reveal a small healing for both Anglicans who enter into the Ordinariate and the broader Roman Catholic church. Indeed, both the difficulties of the Ordinariate and the possible graces may become a symbol to the broader church of a deeper unity that still remains possible. It could serve both to leaven the Roman Catholic church and also to renew dialogue about that which separates us and the triune God who is calling us together.