A Church of England clergyman taking over a congregation decimated by defections to the Catholic church said getting them back is “not a competition”.But the appointment of Father John Caster as vicar of St Barnabas in Tunbridge Wells, seems designed to win back some of the faithful.
As he waits for the paperwork to be finalised before he moves, Fr Caster revealed that he is against women bishops.
And his boss the bishop has said Fr Caster’s leadership “will continue to be a lively expression of the Catholic tradition within the Church of England”.
The 41-year-old will be presiding over a church that was decimated in March last year when Father Ted Tomlinson led 170 parishioners to St Anselm’s Roman Catholic Church in Pembury.
The switch to Rome was prompted by liberal reforms of the CofE, including the possibility of women bishops.
Reports at the time said the St Barnabas congregation was left at just 15 faithful, with Fr Tomlinson saying: “It makes its viability very difficult. We’ve not changed what we teach, what has changed is the wider Church of England, who want to worship in a new and different way, which is why in the end it was an easy decision for us because it was a matter of integrity and standing up for what we believe in.”
But Father Caster said he is confident his sermons will be popular when he takes over in
September.
The American said of the defection: “I will do what I do regardless. I couldn’t honestly tell you what exact numbers are but it is probably more than 15. I will serve the people of the parish and the people who attend the church at St Barnabas, and that is first and foremost what the job is. I know some people did go to the Catholic Church and they should be supported as well, but this is not a competition.”
Asked if he is looking forward to the challenge, adding: “Lots of clergy go in to situations. Any church needs support from the people. I look forward to having support from the community as do all churches.”
Asked if he will be getting out and knocking on doors, he said: “I will be doing what natural occurs in parochial ministries, and of course visiting is part of that ministry and being part of that community.”
The General Synod delayed taking a key vote on the issue of women bishops, and Fr Caster revealed: “I am not in favour of women bishops. For those of us (against), this is not an issue of gender discrimination. It is a theological belief. I do not believe the Church is authorised to make that decision, contrary to scripture and teachings of the Church.”
Educated in the United States of America and originally ordained in the diocese of London, he is currently team vicar in the Parish of Old St Pancras, in London.
Fr Caster enjoys playing bridge and attending opera and the cinema, he sings and plays the trombone, and enjoys reading history.
He said: “St Barnabas church has a long history of serving our Lord and his people in that parish. I am honoured and thrilled to serve in that ministry for the future.”
And the Right Reverend James Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester, added: “Following the move to the Roman Catholic Church of their previous priest and some of the congregation, the people of St Barnabas have strongly maintained their life of worship and service. During this time the churchwardens have ably led the parish with the support of visiting clergy. Under Father John’s leadership St Barnabas will continue to be a lively expression of the Catholic tradition within the Church of England. My decision to appoint him as parish priest is a sign of confidence and hope for the future life and witness of the church in this parish”.