We Anglicans are needed!
Dear Reader,
As promised a comment from the newspaper.
Michael Gove, our MP, has joined the ranks of commentators on Benedict's offer of an Anglican-style "ordinariate". His remarks conclude with words worth recording (my italics):
"I'm rather bored with everyone assuming that the Anglican Communion must always be on the retreat, in decline, progressively losing more and more of its members to other, more assertive, denominations. Why shouldn't a Church that prizes gentleness, civility, consideration, openness, moderation in manner but wise certainty about the ultimate things, prosper and grow? This is an hour, in so many ways, when the Anglican genius for compromise without any dilution of decency or virtue has never been more needed." ("The Times" newspaper, 26th October 2009, p.24)
Of course he is right and, appropriately for a Shadow Cabinet Eduation spokesman, educates us further. In the the present debate I cannot abide the harsh voices on either wing, whether feminists, or ultra-montane Anglo-Catholics, nor any other "in-your-face" activist.
To their credit the PEVs have asked for quiet reflection in the matter, alhtough "quiet reflection" is often the last thing activists enter.
The call to reflect has to be for everyone, including those members of General Synod who chose to ignore the advice of their own Bishops over how to articulate love and tolerance for the minorities in the Church.
I rejoice in being an Anglican and have no wish for our Church and Communion to become," .. just a Protestant sect after all!", as a Roman Catholic friend commented on reading the 39 Articles. May the broad and tolerant Church of England prosper for "Many Years!"
Yours ay,
(more reflectively, I hope)
Fr Ted
As promised a comment from the newspaper.
Michael Gove, our MP, has joined the ranks of commentators on Benedict's offer of an Anglican-style "ordinariate". His remarks conclude with words worth recording (my italics):
"I'm rather bored with everyone assuming that the Anglican Communion must always be on the retreat, in decline, progressively losing more and more of its members to other, more assertive, denominations. Why shouldn't a Church that prizes gentleness, civility, consideration, openness, moderation in manner but wise certainty about the ultimate things, prosper and grow? This is an hour, in so many ways, when the Anglican genius for compromise without any dilution of decency or virtue has never been more needed." ("The Times" newspaper, 26th October 2009, p.24)
Of course he is right and, appropriately for a Shadow Cabinet Eduation spokesman, educates us further. In the the present debate I cannot abide the harsh voices on either wing, whether feminists, or ultra-montane Anglo-Catholics, nor any other "in-your-face" activist.
To their credit the PEVs have asked for quiet reflection in the matter, alhtough "quiet reflection" is often the last thing activists enter.
The call to reflect has to be for everyone, including those members of General Synod who chose to ignore the advice of their own Bishops over how to articulate love and tolerance for the minorities in the Church.
I rejoice in being an Anglican and have no wish for our Church and Communion to become," .. just a Protestant sect after all!", as a Roman Catholic friend commented on reading the 39 Articles. May the broad and tolerant Church of England prosper for "Many Years!"
Yours ay,
(more reflectively, I hope)
Fr Ted
posted by Fr Ted at 3:07 pm
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