Damian Thompson—The Pope’s offer to Anglicans: the moving testimony of an Anglo-Catholic priest

Posted by Kendall Harmon

1) Some of you insist this provision is not for England. Then why did the Pope specifically request the English hierarchy to welcome us, stating that we have something to offer as well as receive?

2) Might this distinct gift we bring with us be the reason for not simply being subsumed into the larger body? Certainly my church would offer a very distinct Eastward facing, biretta-wearing Solemn Mass which is very different to the modern rite at the other end of town.

3) Many of us have not already come accross because we were tending to our flock. I could never have individually converted as it felt like an act of escape. This however feels like an act of exodus which allows me to prepare the people and bring them with me, should we decide to accept the offer. That is tremendously exciting but also very, very scary. Rejection on the other side would be hugely damaging –please welcome us. We have not been loved for a very long time and may need some TLC and patience.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of England (CoE) • Archbishop of York John Sentamu • * Christian Life / Church Life • Parish Ministry • Ministry of the Ordained • * Religion News & Commentary • Ecumenical Relations • Other Churches • Roman Catholic • Pope Benedict XVI • * Theology • Ecclesiology

10 Comments
Posted February 9, 2010 at 5:00 am [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. Chris Molter wrote:

This represents what could become a huge millstone for the necks of the English (and American) Catholic Bishops.

February 9, 8:07 am | [comment link]
2. rugbyplayingpriest wrote:

This represents what could become a huge blessing to the English (and American) Catholic Bishops

See i can write evocative sentences too….care to back up with some reasons?

February 9, 11:38 am | [comment link]
3. phil swain wrote:

Lead Kindly Light, Amen!

February 9, 11:44 am | [comment link]
4. phil swain wrote:

rugbyplayingpriest, what can the Catholic laity do(in the US) to help provide TLC and patience?

February 9, 11:50 am | [comment link]
5. rugbyplayingpriest wrote:

Pray for us, have priests offer Mass for us, and encourage and befriend those who make themselves known. If a parish you know is pondering the move why not approach them and organise a social? Just some thoughts….

February 9, 12:19 pm | [comment link]
6. phil swain wrote:

Thanks, will do.

February 9, 1:07 pm | [comment link]
7. COLUMCIL wrote:

And thank you, Phil!

February 9, 1:44 pm | [comment link]
8. Chris Molter wrote:

#2, I think you misconstrued my statement, although I’m in complete agreement with yours.  I meant that the Catholic Bishops had best act according to the Holy Father’s will in this matter and not act as stumbling blocks to converting clergy and laity under the new Apostolic Constitution.  Many Bishops have been.. less than charitable to Anglican converts in the past and for them to drive new converts away NOW.. well.. that’s what I meant by millstones.

February 9, 1:59 pm | [comment link]
9. rugbyplayingpriest wrote:

ah sorry!

February 9, 3:03 pm | [comment link]
10. Chris Molter wrote:

No, no apologies necessary, I should have been less opaque!! =D

February 10, 9:40 am | [comment link]
Registered members must log in to comment.



Next entry (above): BBC--Making women bishops 'a mistake', Church of England General Synod warned

Previous entry (below): Eric Lax: Have Faith in Love since " the idea that Scripture is...clear is wishful thinking"

Return to blog homepage

Return to Mobile view (headlines)