As news of impending cuts comes streaming out of Westminster so it becomes increasingly obvious that Britain is in a complete mess. Chronically poor leadership over successive governments, coupled with a lack of responsibility from many citizens, has left us lacking vision, money and a healthy sense of national identity. Instead we find a broken society plagued by family breakdown and loss of faith and morality. Take that scenario and add certain unemployment, mortgage default and loss of local services and we realise the near future looks grim. You know things are bad when social services concede they can only intervene in cases of abuse where lives are at risk, as was mentioned to a teacher last week. One begins to understand why they call it a ‘depression’!

The situation is not improved by a growing sense of distrust and anger amongst the electorate. How unreasonable the request for greater reliance on volunteer hours seems when you consider how over stretched modern families are in a nation with some of the longest working hours in Europe. The whole premise that volunteerism can replace government funding is based on a nonsensical notion that volunteerism is not currently in operation. But it is! And where it is not then chances are that those with the necessary skills will be too busy and those with time to spare will not be suitably trained! The sneaking suspicion being then that this ‘big society’ is a clever way of explaining that vital services will lose funding and/or disappear.

Which seems ripe when you consider how politicians have become careerists and not public servants over the last few decades and now seem completely removed from reality. Cuts are necessary and pruning must be done to ensure future growth but the request is hard to make when those in authority were only recently found guilty of stealing public finances to fund lavish private lives and second homes. Which is linked to the other big problem which might fuel unrest when cuts really bite. The widening gap between rich and poor which nobody seems able or willing to address.

How disgusting it is when greedy British Gas announces a rise in profits of over 98% as, along with all other unregulated oil companies, they continue to fleece their customers. How can they possibly justify a multi billion pound fortune when most normal families are now crippled by bills which rise at rates vastly above inflation? And how is the normal citizen to feel when the man whose company cut corners to cause the largest ecological disaster of recent years is sacked with a pension of £600,000 per annum plus bonuses? We are returning to a two tier society where the super rich are invulnerable to loss and where the poor are squeezed daily beyond what seems reasonable or fair. What use to society is a private sector in which the profit of faceless corporations comes above all else? What part are the fat-cats going to pay in mending broken Britain?

Why highlight the problems as we enter a period of depression, cuts and pain? Because we Christians must prepare for all that follows. Doubtless we will be mopping up much mess as people arrive at our doors in genuine need of help. The church is already the main provider of volunteerism in the country and the pressure on our soup kitchens, food banks, lunch clubs et al is only going to grow.

And as we tend to local need so we must soothe the angry and care for the anxious. At times like this the possibility of civic unrest is high which easily plays into the hand of dangerous idiots, think BNP, the far left et al. We who have faith must be the glue for communities and work to heal what is broken. And we must pray for better leadership, pray for a greater concern for the vulnerable and pray for a revival of faith in this land. It is not coincidence, in my opinion, that the abandonment of Christian faith in the West coincides with our spectacular fall from grace.

Finally let us seek to find the positives amidst the chaos. Perhaps a time of economic crisis will lead to greater community cohesion? Perhaps families will stop flying between expensive classes and entertainment venues and actually spend quality time together- the walk in the countryside, the picnic at the park and the paddle in the sea are cheap but wonderful things. And perhaps the situation we find ourselves in will also bring an end to the cancerous fantasy that modernity, secularism, capitalism and individualism hold the key to our future. Whilst these things have helped in small ways the old things always hold out in the end. Family, faith, hard work, honesty and friendship- these are the cornerstones on which to build our future.

As a child I was very fond of Roald Dahl’s fictional works with ‘James and the giant peach’ being my favourite. But perhaps his most famous work was ‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’ in which the mysterious confectionary producer Willy Wonka opens his factory doors to a select few who are fortunate enough to find a winning golden ticket. Charlie Bucket is the impoverished child whose humanity overcomes the vices of his fellow competitors, making it a good moral tale for the young.

Why do I mention this? Because getting hold of tickets for the Papal visit in September is a little like hoping for a golden ticket in a Wonka bar! Those not mambers of the Roman Catholic church but who are moving in an Ordinariate direction will therefore struggle to get hold of them, which is a shame when joining in the celebrations would be such a boost to us at this time.

Does anyone have any spare tickets? Does anyone know somebody who might make some spare? Do get in touch….

A wonderful letter arrived today addressed to the wardens and PCC but also containing a message to all church members. It comes from our delightful Head Teacher, Teresa Anderson, after a thrilling year for the church and school. Did you know we are a GOOD school with OUTSTANDING teaching? The photograph shows Mrs. Anderson dressed for evacuation last year! Here is the letter:

Dear Pcc,

I would like to thank members of S. Barnabas’ church PCC for supporting the celebration reception hosted by Fr. Ed, following our recent successful OFSTED and church school inspections. It was indeed a joyous occasion and much appreciated by the staff team.

This has been a momentous year for the school; the continued support, love and prayers of the PCC and members of S. Barnabas’ church community have been greatly appreciated by us all.

As we break for summer holidays I look forward to the next chapter in our school, church and parish history as we continue to work together.

With love

Teresa

Last week the academic year came to a close in schools throughout Kent and the long summer holiday began. What a year it was and what a week, especially for our leavers. Not only was there a special leavers assembly and a visit to London for a production of the Railway children at Waterloo station involving a real steam train but there was also the final mass of term which took place in church.

This mass is always a very moving occasion. The leavers prepare a short play, readings and prayers for the occasion, this year we witnessed the sequal to the Billy Goat’s Gruff! The children each recieve a gift from the church and at the end of the mass they move to the High Altar for a blessing and are each given a lighted candle. The leavers then process out in candlelight in a final liturgical act.

Well done to staff and children for a most wonderful year. We wish all the leavers well as they look to life in a new school. A we remind them that just because they leave the school does not mean they leave the church. We are always here no matter your age or situation.

It has been wisely noted that the real schism within Anglicanism is between those believing in a revealed faith and those believing faith is still being revealed. Broadly speaking the first group get tetchy when they perceive others to be unfaithful to the revelation as found in scripture and affirmed by tradition, whereas those believing faith is open to change get frustrated when people seem inflexible.

As the battles within Anglicanism work themselves out so the liberal majority, spurred on by overwhelming cultural support of the zeitgeist, are winning the day. Increasingly Anglicanism is coming down on the side of ‘a faith being revealed’, seen in its embracement of women’s ordination, same sex relationships et al, and is becoming more and more liberal as a result. This change in the very nature of what the Anglican church is will have far reaching implications. Depending on your own theology you will either believe such change to be enlightened and wonderful or else abhorrent and even unchristian!

Leaving the implications and rightness/wrongness of current trends aside a bigger question needs facing. If liberalism is winning the day and represents the mind of modern Anglicanism (which the latest General Synod makes manifest) then does this affect the way we approach the creed? My challenge comes in the appropriateness of modern Anglicans stating ‘we believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic church’ when all recent actions and decisions run contrary to that fact.

How can modern liberal Anglicans say they ‘believe in ONE HOLY CATHOLIC church’ when they wilfully ignore the majority of Christians, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox, who have repeatedly stated that women’s ordination is a rejection of the faith we hold dear? How can they claim to believe in ONE HOLY CATHOLIC church when the wilful consecration of people in active homosexual unions runs contrary to the mind of the universal church as has been clearly and consistently explained as well?

And how can the modern Anglican say ‘I believe in one holy Catholic and APOSTOLIC church’ when they are ushering in innovations that not one of the great Saints would have embraced? Certainly the church must progress and change is always needed but only the sort that is a continuation of what has gone before. A baby’s hand will develop into the hairy hand of the adult, it will not turn into a foot! But increasingly new things are being done which have no precedent in tradition and which cannot be defended by use of scripture. Whatever that is it is not APOSTOLIC and that fact needs to be embraced and accepted.

Perhaps this needs raising in synod. Should the Church of England embrace a modern creed with certain bits left out. Not only would this be honest but it would ensure nobody is forced to affirm faith with fingers crossed behind their back. Furthermore it would help people outside of the church to understand what is really going on. Why not take pride in the new faith being revealed? Why cling to an ancient creed if you believe it is only of limited use? Why not affirm the revealing liberal faith you espouse without seeking to hide behind a tradition you no longer love? Why claim to be part of the Universal church when you not only act completely independently of all other branches of the church but have even forced the few remaining members who do defend universal Christian beliefs to a life in the margins?

Of course this will never happen because Anglicanism is addicted to half truth and vagueness and delights in appearing to be part of the family it routinely rejects. But you must admit it is a thorny problem for modern Anglicans to face! What might the new Creed look like, let me see….

The modern Anglican Creed

Some of us believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. But others do not, it does not really matter, as Don Cupid makes clear!

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, who some say is the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, but others do not take this too literally. Being of one substance with the Father or Mother or Big Spirit or other non gender specific word for the Almighty, by whom all things were made.

And I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, Our Lord or maybe not as others, most notably Katherine Jefferts Schori, prefer to view him as the vehicle to the divine, equal to Bhudda, Mohammed, et al and most probably entirely human with a human mother and father but a nice chap all the same.

Who for us men – yikes we meant folk as it is inclusive as a term- and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary or maybe not as the former bishop of Durham points out!

And was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, not that many of us believe this in any literal sense. And ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. Once again this language is patriarchal and we might prefer to us Mother instead. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, unless you hate the notion of sin and judgement when you can feel free to only ever speak of love and inclusion. Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, who decides things for us in synods by majority vote, thus we love the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father/mother and the Son/daughter who with the Father and the Son –oh stop this patriarchal stuff- together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. But they are a bit unreliable as they were confined by the culture of their day!

And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church except when we fancy doing our own thing, which is often. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins unless you prefer to leave that bit out. And we look for the resurrection of the dead even those who were really very naughty, and the life of the world to come. But most of all we believe in the UN development goals and all things inclusive and politically correct as espoused by Radio 4 Amen.

A dangerous lie is popping up in certain quarters suggesting those entering the ordinariate will become Anglican Catholics, somehow in communion with Peter but in no way Roman? I find this as baffling as it is illogical?! Surely those espousing this view want to have cake and eat it. To somehow become Catholics by remaining protestant!!! That path is not only lethal, as it would lead to our becoming a tiny irrelevant sect, but it would be entirely contrary to what the Pope is kindly placing before us.

if you do not really want to be a part of the Roman church then I strongly suggest you seek out an emerging church or stay and fight it out where you are. Rome does not work through schism, separation and congregationalism – that is the Anglican malaise. The last thing Rome wants or needs is a bunch of grieving inward looking people who enter the Ordinariate to build a museum and carry a cancer accross with them. How could we possibly evangelise as a self serving remnant living in isolation? What would have been the point of entering communion with Peter at all?

What the Ordinariate needs is people who are ready to embrace Roman Catholicism and are delighted to be a part of the Latin Rite. Naturally we will enter with our own distinct history, identity and patrimony- and these MUST be preserved- but we join in order to work alongside our new brothers and sisters and we should delight in that. That way we become a functioning and functional part of the larger body of Christ.

As and when the Ordinariate springs into life then I will be delighted to become a part of the Roman church if that is what God desires and if it is practically possible for my family and congregation. We are still discerning at this time. I urge those who are also discerning the future to expel two dangerous mindsets. One is the road that would leave us completely abandoning our heritage and being subsumed into the church. The other is to kick against the larger family and refuse to work in tandem. Carving out a niche whereby we manage to preserve our identity and yet also become a full part of Roman Catholicism is the task that the holy father sets before us. Let that be our vision and our prayer if we discover that the ordinariate is where God wants us.

Though theologically opposed to the ordination of women on theological grounds I nevertheless extend congratulations to supporters at this time. In 2014 when many joyfully receive the first women bishops I shall doubtless be gone, as the Anglican church will no longer make room for my sort, but others will remain and they must now ponder what sort of woman they want?

There are certain strident types who I fear would prove anything but pastoral should they be elected. I hope the church acts wisely and overlooks them. But there are other very decent women who have not only ministered effectively but have demonstrated genuine concern for those dismayed by recent Synodical decision. These are the sort who would be most useful to serve in high office.

This difference I note is hardly surprising given that there are two types of liberals in the modern Church of England. Firstly old fashioned liberals whose minds are open and whose authentically inclusive outlook requires them to listen graciously and make room for those with whom they disagree. And new pseudo-liberals who are not really liberal at all but narrow minded lefties with a desire to drive out all who oppose them. For the record I respect and can do business with the first type but find the latter type abhorrent as they seem barely Christian at all!

Today Erikka Baker proved herself to be one of the better sorts of liberals in standing up to the other type who oft frequent ‘Thinking Anglicans’ message boards. That she stood up to them in defence of traditionalists is commendable. That she stood up for me is noted and very much appreciated!

If I could accept women bishops then Erikka is exactly the sort of person I would opt for! Give her a mitre in 2014! Below is the message she posted demonstrating that she has not only taken time to listen to Anglo-Catholics but has truly understand our points. If only the rest of synod were like Erikka a better way forward might have been found…

The CoE is not a church started out by one group of right-believers…that has grown and diversified and frayed at the edges. There is no “genuine” core, like with other denominations or churches.

Personally, I find it sad that we have to win at all cost, that we are glad when others who don’t agree with us leave for Rome or GAFCON or wherever, and that we are so determined to be right-on that we cannot continue the past practice of genuinely valuing each other despite our differences and ensure that all remain an equal and equally valid part. We stand to gain a little but lose an awful lot.

Erikka thank you for your words and concern for us.

I think we do well to ignore sensationalist headlines claiming that synod’s treatment of traditionalists will lead to a mass exodus into the Ordinariate. This sort of alarmist statement is not only unhelpful but is likely to be untrue. So let us stop marrying the terrible synod with the forthcoming Ordinariate because the two are only loosely connected in reality.

Firstly because the Ordinariate is not simply a refuge for those opposed to women priests. Just because somebody is theologically unable to accept women priests does not mean they embrace Roman Catholicism in its fullness. How could the Ordinariate be home to somebody with grave doubts about the real presence? How could the person who flatly refutes the Assumption of Mary into heaven sign up to the teaching of the Catechism?

There will be a great many people who find themselves unable to remain Anglican with integrity and also feel unable to embrace Rome. These people are extremely vulnerable at present and something needs to be done for them. The Code of Practice will not do as has oft been stated. I pray that they might at least read the Catechism afresh to see if they have misunderstood Rome’s teaching. Otherwise they should pull together and seek to carve out of Anglicanism what is not in reality being offered. Expect this group to become a disaffected thorn in the side of the establishment for many years to come.

Others will decide that though they could embrace Rome’s offer if pushed they are only lukewarm to the idea at present. Into this category we might place a host of people approaching retirement. It should not surprise us if some opt to hold firm until finished in order to maximise pension benefits and because they are at an age when tremendous upheaval is just too much for them.

Others still will be the timid type who do not deal with conflict very well. Uncertain of their ability to lead an entire congregation into the Ordinariate they will, by nature, sit tight and watch for now. If the ‘first wavers’ do well it might inspire them to follow. Others will avoid conflict and stress by resigning quietly and moving to Rome as individual converts. It is a path well trod over the last few years with – I am informed- a third of Westminster clergy being former Anglicans. (Little wonder there are too few of us left to win any votes in synod!)

Then we finally get to the group who are taking the offer of an Ordinariate very seriously. These people have long embraced her teaching in any case and it is only an accident of history that makes them Anglican anymore. They have walked a long spiritual journey through the Church of England and have come, like Cardinal Newman before them, to realise that God is calling them to a different shore. This is the group whom the Pope is calling too for this is the group who yearn for his authority!

How many people fall into this group and also have congregations that are ripe for conversion into the Roman Catholic church? Not very many. And that is why the Ordinariate will start small. Doubtless its critics will mock and scorn and call it ridiculous. But they will have missed a vital point. We are not becoming a sect within the Roman Catholic church to exist as a sideshow for all eternity. No we enter the Roman Catholic church as full members! We will be no less Catholic than the Pope himself! We will be part of a huge, thriving Church of over one billion members.

And yet we will retain a distinct patrimony. We will have something to offer our new family. I also predict that the small first wave will be followed by a larger second wave. And that as the Church of England continues down the path it has chosen so more and more people will pop up in our pews. Bit by bit, little by little I sincerely believe the Ordinariate will grow. Like a tiny stream that becomes a mighty river, my prayer is that God will help it become a vital tool for re-evangelising our secular nation. Let those considering joining realise this- the hard work has barely begun!

But what work it will be! What a deep honour to find ourselves at this turning point in history! It is not everyday we are called to be trailblazers for the Lord and for my part it seems a noble and thrilling enterprise. We need committed and generous laity, diligent and faithful priests and then let us go wherever God is calling us. The people of the Exodus were called to look forward and not behind and that is where our eyes need to turn this summer if we want to make the most of what is presented to us.

I feel the need to call a time out!The fallout from General Synod seems to have raised emotions and the comments on this blog are beginning to descend into personal attack and vitriol. Perhaps it will help if I state clearly what this blog is all about.

This blog exists for three purposes. Firstly it is a parish blog that exists to reflect the life, theology and news of Saint Barnabas’ parish in Tunbridge Wells. You will therefore find reports from parish and school and updates about many aspects of our parochial life.

Secondly it is my personal blog and for this reason I seek to share something of myself. You can expect anything then from holiday snaps to moments of fun. What is a vocie of faith if not rooted in a living individual? I want to put a human face to what is expressed here in regards to my faith and understanding. And being fallible I may get things wrong from time to time. And being human it will probably hurt if your words are intended to wound. For my part I apologise if I have ever said hurtful things in the heat of debate.

Finally it is a blog that seeks to reflect the views of English Anglo-Catholics at this extraordinary and unprecedented time. Unsurprisingly it is a choatic time and not everything can be black and white regarding our position and views amidst such upheaval. In all truth we find ourselves in a period of discernment and though we feel very excited regarding the offer of an Ordinariate from Rome, it is not easy to uproot from the church of your birth and no final decisions have been made yet. And even if these decisions were made we cannot yet join what does not exist. So please be patient with our need for time.

If you profoundly disagree with orthodox Anglo-Catholicism understand that you are nevertheless welcome. But only if your desire is for honest, good natured debate and not for baiting, mocking or outright attack. The gentle tone found in the comments of Erikka Baker and John are to be welcomed. But any comment lacking in love and generosity will be scrubbed from now on. You have been warned!

We who claim the name of Christian must exhibit love, patience and understanding and I have no interest in hosting unpleasant bickering between warring factions anymore. Liberal Anglicans have much to celebrate at present and I urge them to do so and be magnanimous in victory. We traditionalists must not become bitter or maudling but must ask where God may be calling us. Let us each pray for the other in these difficult days and pledge to unite and not to divide.

I end with a moving email I was sent last week. It is messages like these which make me keep going…

We first wrote to you in March from XXX with our praise and gratitude for the leadership, common sense and hope that your daily blog is giving – not only to the community in Tunbridge Wells, but also much wider a field. We feel compelled to remind you again. We read you words daily, share them with others and genuinely take great understanding and hope from your views and interpretation of the chaos.

The decision became easy in the end, the RC community in XXX have been wonderful and we are genuinely excited by a vibrant and large community of faithful here of every age from 0 to 90! Once the decision is made, you cannot believe the freedom, happiness and hope for the future that prevails. In honesty, we no longer feel frustrated or bewildered by the goings on in Synod and the remaining bickering, criticism, accusations on the many blogs, radio and TV shows, media, etc. It suddenly becomes unimportant and we can focus on worship again.

Perhaps this couple have made the journey required of all Anglo-Catholics who want a future of joy? Perhaps not? But I do thank God that this blog helped people remain close to Jesus and fulfilled in their faith. My prayer is that each one of us is enabled to do that and does not hinder others who might seek the same but with a different understanding. Once again my despair was not that Synod desires to consecrate women but that it seeks to remove provision from traditionalists. A decision which divides and does not unite.

There has been much confusion in the media, some malicious and deliberate, regarding announcements from the Vatican concerning minor changes to canon law. Firstly child abuse has been specifically highlighted as a grave sin in order to make it easier for the church to deal with perpetrators. This is quite aside from any civil proceedings that might be necessary in such cases.

Within the same statute the Vatican also highlighted involvement in women’s ordination as grave sin. The point being that there is no authority for this to be done and that those attempting to illegally ordain women must be dealt with appropriately. The need for this clarity is obvious when we consider that feminist activists who feel they have conquered Anglicanism have vowed to turn their attention to Rome.

You might have thought such a statement from the leader of 1.4 billion Christians, in sympathy with a further 300 million in the Eastern Orthodox Church, might have given Anglicans pause for thought? But instead many jump onto the media band wagon and launch a viscous assault on the Vatican. The moronic stance taken is to combine the two pronouncements in order to make a non-existent link. ‘The Pope says women priests are as bad as paedophiles’ being the cheap and easy headline!

On the one hand I want to smack my head on the wall concerning the naivety of the Vatican press office! Do they not consider the anti-Catholic sentiment of the secular West? Do they not reflect on what might be done with news items in order to paint a false picture? Honestly they walked into this one with eyes open and even dug the pit themselves!

But that does not excuse those who link the items in order to smear the Pope who is so hated by the liberal left. Such people are being very dishonest and need to repent of their actions. For proof that the Vatican is not acting out of the ordinary we do well to look to American law. A biretta tip to Jeff Millar.

In Florida those who impersonate police officers, sheriffs and government officials can be sentenced for 30, 15, or 5 years under statues 775.082, s. 775.083. Interestingly unlawful sexual activity with minors is dealt with under the exact same statues in regard to punishment. No different then to what has happened in the Vatican but who is lambasting the Florida authorities for daring to say that Police impersonators are as bad as paedophiles? Nobody because it is clearly nonsense.

Yet people will still claim the Pope says that women priests are as bad as child abusers. The wave of Catholic prejudice sweeping across this nation is alarming and I only hope that it does not escalate into violence when the Pope visits in Autumn. If anything does happen then the press have an awful lot to answer for.