The news is exciting: Benedict XVI, the Pope of Unity. Four cheers for what he is doing for those sundered fragments of Latin Christendom, SSPX and the TAC.In England, we have a problem which neither of those organisations has: the problem of Extricability; of getting, corporately, out of structures we are enmeshed in. Anglican Catholic clergy can enter individually into full communion; but they will be submerged like every other wave of 'converts' that has done the same. Our elephant-in-the-room is the attachment of our laity to ancient buildings and historic structures and identities. Unless the C of E is prepared let property depart, we have a difficulty. And is there any chance of this? Remember (1) the visceral hatred of 'Rome' which lurks in the most liberal hearts; and (2) the possibility that the financial value of property might, in an economic depression, be rather handy for the Establishment to have.
Rome cannot solve the problem of Extricability. Only we can. But how?
What do the readers think about his question?
7 comments:
It is going to be very difficult, I'm afraid. Lots of hurt and angry egos don't make for good negotiations.
I only pray that the Holy Spirit will work and be allowed to work for the unity of us all, for the glory of God and the renewal of the church in England.
Depending on the size of the SSC contingent, it could cause buildings become vacant - the upkeep of which is daunting. The CofE will then, hopefully, be in the needful possition of liquidating properties. This might take a few years of house-Churching - which is not for the faint of heart.
The CofE will serve as a burial society for those who lacked the grit to git while the gittin' was good.
If the American Episcopal Church is any precedent...good luck with that. Trying to pry historic and valuable real estate out of the hands of Dioceses and Bishops will no doubt get nasty.
I foresee only one quasi-amicable possibility, and that being that the congregations buy the property outright from the Diocese.
Otherwise, hope you have some quality solicitors on retainer. In England, you might have legal precedent to claim it by saying that the building originally belonged to Rome before the Reformation and was stolen. But that would be hard to prove.
I agree with Archer. Bp Broadhurst said something to this effect during his FiF address last year. The property was either Catholic before the CofE confiscated it (which is strong) or the Catholic tradition influenced those who built the parishes (much weaker, probably won't even come close to working).
Perhaps the FiFUK parishes could negotiate with the financially strapped CofE for their parishes built after the Reformation before transferring into the Anglican Use prelature, and simply have the new Anglican Use prelature congregations (those who've already transferred) who worship in pre-Reformation parishes to simply claim the property as legally their own. That is one way of going about it, but it doesn't seem the easiest.
The easiest way is to negotiate leases/sales with the CofE regardless and avoid the chance of lawsuits altogether.
Andy B.
After further reflection, I think I shall refrain from commenting other than to say that nothing happens until Rome says it happens. Whatever the TAC does is distinctly different in most ways from the C of E and the ongoing relationship between the C of E and the RCC. There is much to think about for the authorities and more to pray about for those of us who are lowly observers.
Having done it myself - and being now PP of a parish with a less-than-beautiful church - I realise that, without wishing to sound unkind, buildings really aren't that important. Any fears I had before converting are allayed by the sheer joy of Communion with the Holy See and the privilege of working among folk who understand what a priest is for. It's really not that painful to leave when you look back - and the joy of belonging far outweighs the pain of leaving. Honest.
I pray for the grace and eloquence from the Holy Spirit to plainly say what could all-too-easily ring with the hollow, tinny sound of a pious platitude...
That is to say, the stones we can leave behind. All of us, in all walks of life, from all backgrounds. The 700 year old churches with the graveyards that hold our beloved forebearers, the smells that can only be generated in a church that has seen the cycles of life and death, the pews great-great-great+ grandparents occupied... We cherish them, but we love HIM more, and there is so much more to gain.
I am reminded of the words of a traditionalist priest in full and unimpeded communion with the Holy See who recounts the browbeating he recieved from a pious sister who wanted his old rosary. It was his favorite, he loved it. He dutifully gave it to her, at first annoyed and angered, but later joyed that she allowed him the opportunity to break attachment to the "other"... Whatever it is... Antiques, stones, a specific liturgical rite. We love HIM more, we can pray without the old stones, the mother-of-pearl rosary, the Elizabethan English.
Leave it behind. Listen when asked to "Come follow Me".
Treasures in heaven. No one will EVER regret the loss of stones.
Post a Comment