The Apostolic Consitution builds a sturdy and wide bridge for Anglican converts. To think that they can enter the Catholic Church into a jurisdiction expressly created for them! Those of us who were making the move a generation ago could only dream of such a thing. In fact, I can remember in the very early years (when I was young, somewhat naive and politically unsophisticated) I suggested to a certain member of the Catholic hierarchy that perhaps we should ask for our own jurisdiction. After the hoots of incredulity stopped echoing in the room, I was told, "It'll never happen, and it would be insulting to ask!" But I never stopped thinking about the importance of jurisdiction, and at every gathering of Anglican Use clergy the point would be made: "we need our own jurisdiction if this thing is going to grow as it should." And now, after all these years, it's happening. I guess the idea wasn't so insulting, after all.
So really the Constitution will fulfill a two-fold purpose: it's a means of entrance for converts, and it's a means of growth after they get here. Amazing.
