“Pentecost Sunday – visit of Cardinal Kasper: On future visits to Liverpool you will see the “stele”, the Gates, to North, South, East and West, designed by Raphael Seitz. They are something of a crowning glory to the long labours, which began with the decision to repair the Cathedral roof, and went onwards to a total regeneration of the whole site. The artist is a friend of Cardinal Kasper, and Tony O’Brien gladly accepted Raphael’s suggestion that we invite the Cardinal to dedicate the work of art. The Cardinal’s only free date was Pentecost and that has proved to be so appropriate: Pentecost is the anniversary feast of the Cathedral’s dedication and of the visit of Pope John Paul II. The Cardinal will celebrate the Mass at 11.00 and celebrate the sacrament of confirmation. At the end of the Mass he will dedicate the new works. And it is very fitting that the Cardinal as President of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity will be with us for the two Cathedrals’ walk, held every other year; this year it begins at the Anglican Cathedral at 3.00pm and it is there that the Cardinal will give the sermon. On Monday morning the Cardinal will celebrate the 7.00am Mass at Bishop Eton before going to Hope for breakfast prior to a lecture about Jewish-Christian relations. Do encourage and facilitate participation in the two Cathedrals’’ walk. There is a welcome for all at the 11.00am Mass, and I recommend that anyone wishing to attend the lecture on Monday contact Hope University.”
Update: There is also a little more here.
I am sure that Cardinal Kasper is a very nice man, but the idea that he actually preached in the Cathedral began by Bishop J. C. Ryle is a commentary on, not only, how far the diocese of Liverpool have veered from the course on which Bishop Ryle set it, but how far the Co E has veered from his time. There was a film a few years ago entitled “No Home For Old Men”, well there may be ‘No Home For Classical Evangelicals’ in the C of E.
I am concerned about the statement “The Cardinal will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation.” Does this mean that Catholics were being confirmed at the Cathedral or that he confirmed Anglicans? Neither one is acceptable unless in the case of the former special permissions were granted.
Christian Unity does not mean ignoring our very real theological differences. To do so is an insult to all believers. It means acting together within the limits permitted by our common mission. Soup kitchens yes, preaching the Gospel, yes. Blended services that make a mockery of canon law (for both churches) no. And administring the sacraments (non emergency situations excepted) to Non Catholics, no, no, no. As much as I love them as fellow Christians.
It does not demand excessive attention in reading this article to discern that the “Metropolitan Cathedral” is the Catholic Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool — and not that of the Church of England Bishop of Liverpool.
Thank you Dr. Tighe. I sometimes mess up on my reading comprehension due to my M.S. Your correction of my misunderstanding is appreciated.
Kendall, in light of my misunderstanding would you remove my first comment. Please.