In 1991 he moved to the US to teach at the very High Church and conservative theological college of Nashotah House, Wisconsin. He was appalled by what he saw as the excessive liberalism of most of the Episcopal Church and worked for the Prayer Book Society, defending The Book of Common Prayer against the newly authorised American Prayer Book. He was opposed to the use of inclusive language in liturgy. In 2001 he moved to the diocese of Lichfield and he spent five years in the north Staffordshire parishes of Biddulph Moor and Brown Edge, where his highly sympathetic pastoral expertise was much appreciated.
The research which lay behind his writings was monumental and he tried to put opposing views in a clear and fair way. His eccentric, warm and humorous style concealed a strong and determined faith.
I was one of his students at the House, and have appreciated his writings in defence of classical prayer book Anglicanism. To this day I remember his vigorous defence of the Filioque at an impromptu debate at lunch in the refectory at Nashotah, and his class on Thomas Aquinas.
Fr. Toon courageously insisted that we at Nashotah House consider the significance of the “reformed” part of his apt expression “Reformed Catholic”. But, it was Fr. Toon’s personal pastoral sensitivity at a time of student trajedy that showed his heart and his Faith. May God bless Him.
Dr. Toon’s “Reformed Catholicism” bore little resemblance to Catholicism of any kind, but I admired his writings on and his passion for the Book of Common Prayer. His was an important voice, one that should taken into account in the new Province’s work on the Prayer Book. May he rest in peace.
Fifteen years ago, Fr. Toon was directly responsible for my connecting with a faithful parish in Northern Virginia and thus reconnecting with Prayer Book Anglicanism. That parish has since sent me to seminary and sponsored my ordination.
I thank God for Peter’s faithful witness. He was a true instrument of the Almighty.
Orthodoxwill +
That is a very nice testimony, #4, thanks for sharing it.
Dr. Toon was generous with his time. He mentored me for a year before he moved to the US. He helped me to better understand the “Anglican Way” and encouraged me to read the Fathers.