Saturday, January 15, 2011

Roman Catholic and Anglican Bishops pledge to continue to work together

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Brentwood and the Anglican Bishop of Chelmsford have made a joint commitment to promote understanding and unity between their Christian denominations in Essex and East London.

A high profile is currently being given to those who, for reasons of conscience, are thinking of migrating towards the Roman Catholic Church from the Church of England. 

But in fact moving from one Christian denomination to another is nothing new. 

The denominations are not in competition but dealing with what may be a helpful shift of emphasis in a person's spiritual journey in a way that is pastorally sensitive.

In a joint letter to all their clergy the Roman Catholic Bishop of Brentwood, The Right Reverend Thomas McMahon, and the Anglican Bishop of Chelmsford, The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, have re-committed themselves to continuing to work together in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ from both denominations.

Commenting on the "Ordinariate", the distinct grouping that is intended to integrate former Anglicans into the Roman Catholic Church, the two Bishops have said: "The setting up of the Ordinariate does not in any way deter us from the ultimate goal of that visible unity within the church that is Christ's prayer and which is shared by all Christian people. "

The Bishops have urged priests and people from the Anglican Diocese of Chelmsford who are considering joining the Ordinariate, thought to number five or six groups, to make contact with them "so that during this time of transition nothing could be seen to impede our friendship, unity and mission."

"We give thanks for their contribution to the life of the Church of England, and we pray for the new life they will have and the gifts they will bring to the Catholic Church," they say.

SIC: CA/UK