Statement from Catholic Group
Jul 14, 2010
The Catholic Group in General Synod is encouraged by the remarks of the Archbishop of Canterbury that there is still ‘unfinished business’ and that ‘the Church is only part of the way through the process’ of determining the way forward for women bishops legislation.
The Group was, however, disappointed that there was a lack of support for financial hardship where clergy feel by conscience that they need to resign from the Church of England. The onus now is on the Church of England to provide for its clergy to remain within the Church for which we have always fought as loyal Anglicans.
We remain committed to both the process and our Church, and would wish to play a major part in helping the Church in its ongoing journey in a spirit of unity that is Christ’s way.
“The onus now is on the Church of England to provide for its clergy to remain within the Church for which we have always fought as loyal Anglicans.”
Some of them certainly have a very odd way of showing their Anglican loyalty. I’ve read statements from prominent “Anglican Catholics” which have blasted everything identifiably Anglican, in the pursuit of a make-believe Romanism.
“The Group was, however, disappointed that there was a lack of support for financial hardship where clergy feel by conscience that they need to resign from the Church of England.” I live, here in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, among strong Brethren and Mennonite communities. In fact, I took some courses from Eastern Mennonite Seminary [which you may google to find out more about]. One of the most interesting to me was one in Christian ethics. A great deal of discussion revolved around parameters of pacifism and being ‘ a people apart,’ and the costs of that. Turns out, the… Read more »
It seems to me a loyal Anglican would accept the decisions of General Synod as being the mind of the church and abide thereby, not seek for an “out”.
When one resigns a position in secular life, one also does not expect the continuing provision of the emoluments of that position. In the case of employment by the Church – in any paid capacity – surely one could not reasonably expect the right to any different treatment? In fact, if the resignation stems from systematic disagreement with the stated policy of one’s employer (in the case, the C.of E.) then there is further reason for no financial compensation. The argument being put forward by some clergy – that they were misinformed as to the possibility of any progress in… Read more »