Father Ivor Morris, of the Ascension Church in Maltese Road,
Chelmsford, is one of the first rebel Anglo-Catholics from across the
Chelmsford Diocese to speak publicly about the controversial switch,
reported to be the largest movement of its kind.
Father Ivor, who last year marked 25 years of ordination, has told
his congregation that he is considering leaving to join the
Ordinariate, which was set up by the Pope to welcome disaffected
Anglicans into the Roman Catholic Church.
He told the Chronicle: "I have written briefly in our parish
newsletter that I am prayerfully considering the Holy Father's
invitation and in due course I will make my decision.
"It is a very sad time for everyone concerned, but in the end one has to do what one's conscience feels is right."
Father Ivor said those who joined the Ordinariate would be
reunited with Catholic Christendom, but not be completely absorbed,
maintaining an Anglican cultural ethos.
The switch stems from the Anglican priests' objections to the
ordination of women priests, which they say is against scripture and
tradition.
The seven priests – three married, one widowed and three single
priests – come from parishes across the Chelmsford Diocese, which
includes most of the county and east London.
Meanwhile, more than 30 parish churches in the Chelmsford Diocese
have also signed up to Forward in Faith, a worldwide movement opposing
the ordination of women, including parish churches in Cressing, Great
Bardfield, Finchingfield, Thaxted and Kelvedon.
Another priest to speak openly about the switch is former Brentwood vicar Canon Bob White, who is now honorary assistant priest at St Peter and St Paul in Hockley.
"The General Synod over some years has made decisions that appear
to be taking the Church of England away from the Catholic direction once
held and because of that I feel unity with the Roman Catholic Church is not possible," he said.
"An offer has been made by the Pope and we have taken up that offer."
The controversial women bishops move has split the Church of
England and it is believed more will follow the "pioneers" like Father
Ivor and Mr White.
Chelmsford's Anglican Bishop Stephen Cottrell said in an open letter that it "pained" him that no agreement could be reached to allow Anglo Catholic priests to remain.
Bishop Stephen and Brentwood's Catholic Bishop Thomas McMahon also
issued a joint statement stating they were "painfully aware" of the
divisions.
"We pray for the new life they will have and the gifts they will bring to the Catholic Church."