In the 19th century, when the traditionalist likes of John Henry Newman and Gilbert Keith Chesterton left the Church of England for the Church of Rome, the latter was then truly a haven for Catholic tradtionalists, because all Roman Catholics were Catholic traditionalists. There was then a certain logic for Tractarians in crossing the Tiber, though not necessarily a compelling logic, which is why most of the Tractarians stayed put and why most Anglo-Catholics since then have stayed put.
I wonder what Newman and Chesterton would have done, however, had they been able to foresee the current Episcopalianization and homosexualization of the Church of Rome, and had they been able to foresee that even a modern Pope would begin to argue that because of such things a smaller and purer church was probably in the offing, a sentiment seemingly echoed by one Fr. Dwight Longenecker:
In my opinion, the death of cultural Catholicism can’t come too soon.
From it will emerge not only a smaller and more vibrant church, but also a church that is truly multi racial and multi national…and surely that’s an important part of what it means to be Catholic.
As Fr. R.R. Tarsitano recently argued here, Continuing Anglicanism, which he has interestingly dubbed the "Continuing Anglican Communion" since it appears the old divisions are healing and the Continuum is finally coming together, provides one genuinely Catholic option for traditionalists, including those traditional Roman Catholics who find themselves increasingly marginalized.
For conservative Roman Catholics, the confidence of the John Paul II and Benedict XVI pontificates has been replaced with a growing sense of uneasiness at the power invested in the modern papacy. In both groups, compromised leaders are finding that earthly power comes through progressivism, and whether one wants to somehow hold lightning in a bottle or build temples to Jove, these two forms of polity—one whose hierarchy is based upon status and success (Evangelicalism) and the other on the longevity of an office (Roman Catholicism)—will have leaders who seek greater and greater conformity to the sources of earthly power. Conservatives will be in their way, and they will need to be crushed, sacrificed on the altars of progress. . . .
For Roman Catholics, while traditionalists fight a rearguard action, the hierarchy of their church is quickly being replaced by bishops and cardinals loyal to the progressive vision of Francis I. This story will end in tears. There are two paths to follow, become the chaplaincy of the dying world or joyously receive its rebuke and disdain in the name of Christ. The Continuing Anglican Communion is the space in which men and women of faith can take up their cross and die. Join us. . . .
The Continuing Anglican Communion is small, and we are belittled by our neighbors and enemies who have imbibed the metrics of McDonald’s to determine the work of the Holy Spirit. We are small, but we are growing as an international communion that maintains the medium and message we have been tasked with safeguarding. Our smaller size frees us of the crushing institutional weight which hamstrings the radical conservation our world desperately needs. Further, our catholic bishops are doctrinally and sacramentally linked with the twelve chosen by Christ, and we are the blessed recipients of a reformation spirit that focuses our piety in Word and Sacrament. I am a priest in the Anglican Catholic Church, and I am happy to report that traditional Anglicans are coalescing to stand firm on the Catholic Christian foundation that survived the fall of Rome, the Black Death, and two world wars. Four of the largest continuing jurisdictions are now in full communion and are preparing for organic unity within the next two years. Churches are banding together to build schools and form alternative communities to protect and promote the next generation of saints. . . .
Beyond traditional Anglicans, here in the Continuing Anglican Communion, there is a home for all Christians who want a church devoted to saying, “Enough, we will stand against the tide—especially if it kills us.” A church attempting to recapture the comprehensive catholicity of the first 1500 years of the faith. To my Evangelical brethren, I say here is place in which a reformed catholic is protected, where he knows the rules will be cherished and followed. To my Roman Catholic brethren, unhitch yourself from the papal experiment before it is too late. To all, rather than spending your time trying to evangelize the members of your elder boards and presbyteries and bishops’ conferences, why not join a church that is outward focused because it knows what it believes and why? Why not trust in a tradition that has actually survived the worst the world can throw at it? I realize this call is asking clergy and their families to make financial sacrifices, and I know some among the laity will be forced to lose prestige and the comfort of the crowd, but for those who are called to this path of righteousness—this way of the cross—please contact me, and let us continue the fight together.
These are inspiring words, and ones that make me feel proud to be working as a priest in this corner of the Lord's vineyard (the Orthodox Anglican Church) and in this branch of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I think Newman and Chesterton, if they're looking down from heaven, find themselves in agreement with Pope Benedict XVI and Fr. Longenecker, and even with Fr. Tarsitano.
UPDATE: There Is No ‘Biological Solution’ to the Catholic Church’s Spiritual Crisis.