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