Tuesday 23 February 2010

Family Law, a useful analogy?

What are the options for those considering the Ordinariate with regards to buildings, pensions,stipends and welfare? I know these should not be the main issue as to whether one considers the Ordinariate or not but they will inevitably be a factor. Damage limitation to both sides of this current divide is paramount. The pastoral care of everyone should really be of the first priority. Would it be a good analogy I wonder to treat this whole realignment on the same basis as a marriage breakdown leading to annulment or divorce? In that case when mediation and reconciliation fails within the context of either unfaithfulness, unreasonable behaviour, non-consummation, lack of intention to keep within the marriage vows at the outset or irretrievable breakdown, a recognition and resolution of the failed relationship necessarily takes place with ongoing responsibilities. We can all recall broken promises that have been made in the ecclesial mess in which many find themselves. All Christians of goodwill should feel sadness when things don't work out both in marriages and within the family of churches. Let us not ignore the fact that there are Ordinands living through this very difficult ecclesial situation now right at the beginning of their calling. Who will be their Bishop, where is episcopal oversight? Where is their honoured place? Who can ordain them? Where is the sacramental collegiality and care? Leaving this and the other causes of breakdown on one side let us be charitable and agree to say that the terms of this divorce are (whatever the rights or wrongs) 'due to irretrievable breakdown' there are grave issues to be decided on BOTH sides which ought to be addressed and responsibilities to be faced up to. One of the priorities under British Family Law is that the interests of the children (parishoners and faithful) is paramount and both spouses(departing clergy with their families on one side and previous Ordinary/ Bishop on the other) should make adequate provision both for each other and them. The weaker spouse should be supported by the stronger one for a period of time certainly until the children and the financially weaker spouse are able to become self supporting or supported by others. One of the things one could hope for of the new alignment is that within the previous family and through mediation and joint structures between Ordinariate and previous Ordinary there could be proper provision made to aid transition and ensure pastoral care and welfare of all clergy, their families and congregations. This would be in a spirit of recognition of shared relationships, friendships and in the ecumenical imperative of retaining as much unity as possible. There could be a new ecumenical pastoral provision which could be made to allow an orderly, charitable and Christian response to the fast changing events sharing care, resources and even buildings. It could operate two ways and act also for those Roman priests moving away from Rome. After pain and suffering on both sides could we not all look beyond this passiontide of breakdown and divorce to the new joy of an Easter resurrection, new life and growth for all with no fault finding and blame? A generous and working relationship for the future to bring Christ to an unbelieving world. Is this too much to hope for?

Sunday 21 February 2010

Day of Prayer

We will be joined through prayer with many who are open to discerning the future for traditional Anglicans on the feast of the See of Peter tomorrow. The Apostolic Constitution and the offer of re-union with Rome by Pope Benedict should surely be prayed and thought about even by those who may not  be able or want or see how to immediately join it. As we know, the fruits of prayer often take time to become apparent taking many years sometimes. For many what better activity could we be doing on this feast day than to spend it in prayer with and before the blessed Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament of His Body. Let us pray for those with whom we do not agree and for those who are separated from us, for our future and that of His church. Let Thy will be done......

Thursday 18 February 2010

Ash Wednesday

I was heartened that after a bit of teaching at the family Mass last Sunday we had a good number of people to the two Masses on Ash Wednesday. There were 10 children from our Sunday seekers for the evening 7.30pm Mass with ashing which they had helped me to burn in Sunday School (Health and Safety be away with you!). However as many of the congregation don't come to this week day start of Lent I was thinking it might be a good idea to offer to 'Ash' them as an introit or introduction before the silent entrance procession to the First Sunday of Lent rather than miss out altogether. I must remember to mention it to Fr. Michael. Does this get done anywhere I wonder?

Monday 15 February 2010

The Holy Name of Jesus causes a stir.


Here are some wonderfully fertile thoughts for Lent from Melanie McDonagh covering sin, repentance and forgiveness in the world of conflict and pain in Northern Ireland but which we could equally apply to all of our lives which inevitably reflect conflict harm and the need for reconciliation. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/northernireland/7240591/Gerry-Adams-and-Jesus-cause-a-stir.html