Breaking news from the Revision committee of the General Synod has appeared on Ruth Gledhill’s blog. Just as predicted it spells a complete betrayal of those Anglo-Catholics who cannot in all conscience accept the ordination of women. Far from honouring the sincere promises made to us in 1992 the recommendation effectively ushers in the end game for the Catholic movement within the Church of England.
Why is this? Because after months of discussion the Revision Committee has felt unable to deliver a single proposal that would satisfy the needs of traditionalists who have grave theological doubts over the validity of women bishops. Instead these poor clergy will have to like it or lump it and swear allegiance to a Diocesan bishop whose orders they do not recognise. Without any doubt this places their integrity and own authority in profound doubt. Regardless of who visits them pastorally they will be forced to serve under someone their consciences claim to be phoney.
On the plus side it is a very logical and Catholic decision. There will be no more flying bishops and/or strange ecclesiology. On the negative side the Church will have behaved deplorably to those people whose only ‘crime’ is to believe what the majority of Christians throughout history have always believed. If this goes ahead it is absolutely beyond question that those ‘forced out’ must be offered a generous compensation package and that those congregations ‘forced out’ be given use of their buildings. Anything less than that would constitute one of the worst scandals in the modern history of Western Christianity.
For those who had already decided that the Pope’s offer cannot be ignored this is a wonderful day. It makes it abundantly clear that there is no long term future for traditional Catholicism in the Church of England and ensures no one can point a finger of blame when congregations walk away. But for those who feel unable to convert to Catholicism this is a very grave and tragic development. How wicked that the Church of England is unable to offer this group any space in which to thrive. The Revision Committee are ensuring they have no future which renders evangelism dormant. Such priests are forced into a life as one generational hospice chaplains….
Dear Father Edward. Can I assure you that there are many many Catholics who are looking forward to your joining their leaking ship, to help put some wind in our sails and enjoy the journey in the less than calm waters ahead of us. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
MT
We could never expect anything from the revision committee, what matters now is what happens on the floor of Synod in June. That said, I won’t be holding my breath for adequate provision.
“If this goes ahead it is absolutely beyond question that those ‘forced out’ must be offered a generous compensation package and that those congregations ‘forced out’ be given use of their buildings. Anything less than that would constitute one of the worst scandals in the modern history of Western Christianity.”
Well, dear Father, as one who is being sued by the “other side” for property to which we hold clear title I wish you the best of luck. On the other side of the pond we are already embroiled in “one of the worst scandals in the modern history of Western Christianity.” I doubt it will be much different on your side of the pond.
We will, most likely, remain sister parishes – see you in the Ordinariate.
Fr. Rob
Be strong, you and your congregation and other Anglican priests like yourself.
As a Catholic, I and the rest of us are ready to welcome all of you with open arms. We have been waiting a long time for you to come home, so as Jesus said, “Be not afraid”.
God bless.
[...] Revd. Fr. Edward Tomlinson has commented on this and of course makes reference to the Pope’s offer to Anglicans:- Breaking news from the Revision committee of the General Synod has appeared on Ruth Gledhill’s blog. Just as predicted it spells a complete betrayal of those Anglo-Catholics who cannot in all conscience accept the ordination of women. Far from honouring the sincere promises made to us in 1992 the recommendation effectively ushers in the end game for the Catholic movement within the Church of England. [...]
The Fat Lady has been singing loudly for years – those who can’t hear her need to realise it is not because she has yet to sing, it is because she has sung herself hoarse!
Dear Fr Ed
The majority of Christians throughout history may have believed that priests/bishops have to be male, but what most people NOW cannot understand is why this has become the central, defining issue for hardline Anglo-Catholics, and the main reason for them wanting to move to Rome. Sadly, they have become a single issue party with a negative agenda.
As you say, the way the Church is proceeding on this is both Catholic and logical, unlike the fudge and pretence of flying bishops. Rather than trying to cater for the small minority who disagree, it is standing by its decision with integrity. It is tough, but it is the right course to take.
best wishes,
Rod
The Revision Committee wisely concluded that they were better off out of this and have moved off stage accordingly. I suspect the wider CoE, given the choice between offending mainstream liberals and awkward Anglo-Catholics is beginning to conclude that it is less damaging to off-load the latter.
Sad but at least its not another fudge.
“Sadly, they have become a single issue party with a negative agenda.”
Speaking as a Catholic who has never belonged to any other party, I can only say, speaking from experience, that you are completely wrong, and your sadness is misplaced.
I would have hoped that your first hand witness of the work being doe in the community, our building of a preschool, community centre, youth group and scout group, the revival of our congregation and work with children, the work I put into the school, the courses I run and sermons I preach would suggest Rod, that your branding of me as a single issue priest is deeply offensive
Personally, I’m greatly in favour of ‘fudge’. It is an indispensable mechanism for enabling people who disagree about some things to stay together. Although (a) continuing ’separate provision’ (whatever) would be messy, and (b) I am completely in favour of women priests and women bishops (as also gay priests and gay bishops), (a) would have been much, much better (though it would of course have had to be fought in Synod). Slim hope: there will be a groundswell in Synod in favour of (a) anyhow.
Personally also, I shall be extremely sorry if Fathers Ed and T E Jones and others like them will now feel they have to accept the Pope’s ‘offer’.
I think I made it clear that I was referring to the agenda of Anglo-Catholic hardliners as a group, not the valuable work being done at a local level.
Now you are getting an idea of what traditionalist Americans have had to put up with for years and why groups like ACNA need support and recognition from the C of E and the ABC as quickly as possible. Failing this, the Roman Option looks best.
No surprises really. Though I remain unconvinced by objections to women bishops I am saddened that the CofE seems unable to muster greater creativity and catholic spirit. Sad days ahead I fear.
BTW, great photo Ed. Where did you find that costume?!
Failing this??? Rome is not an option for the desperate but a joyful opportunity for the faithful! Indeed what matter the Synod if Peter calls….
Fr. Ed,
It has been a few years since I spent quality time in the C of E proper, but why can’t Synod just let you all have your own little province (or whatever workable structure can be mutually agreed upon)? From an American priest looking in, the answer to allow everyone to be able to live their own conscience seems so simple as to be ridiculous.
Perhaps this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black (certainly the US church could use a dose of this medicine as well), but the fact that Synod is not willing (nor caring enough) to seem to budge an inch seems to me to be tragic folly. Those in favor of women bishops can have their cake and eat it to, and just the Anglo-catholic wing do its own thing.
This just makes the heart sad.
Ironically, I think the CofE made a mistake in giving you flying bishops in the first place (you should have been able to manage the horror of a bishop who ordained women, or believed that it was possible), and is now making an error by not providing you with a similar arrangement to insure that you bishop is someone you actually believe is a bishop.
Fat or thin, one lady once again has cause to sing her usual tune as though she were the Guardian of the Church of England. Reading her comments on the failure of the Revision Committee to find a safe place for ‘traditionalists’ she is once again confident that she and her militant friends in WATCH will have their own way.
So how sweet of Ms Rees to express her sorrow at anyone leaving the church over women’s ordination after they have done all they can to keep them. If deception is an example of their idea of Christian charity God help the church when she and her feminist chums really run things.
Pray for Abp Rowan as he delivers his Presidential speech this afternoon.
Petros
I only wanted to drop you a short note to let you know that I really enjoy your blog.