Anglicans who defect to Rome in protest at plans to ordain women bishops could be allowed to continue worshipping in their Church of England buildings, a leading official said today.
Hundreds of priests and parishioners are expected to take up the Pope’s offer to convert to Roman Catholicism and join a new body for Anglicans who disagree with the ordination of women bishops when it is established next year.
Church authorities have insisted that defectors will not be able to retain their parish buildings when they leave the Anglican family.
But today the Church’s most senior official, William Fittall, raised the prospect of a compromise.
Mr Fittall, secretary general of the General Synod, said it would be “entirely possible” for those who convert to Roman Catholicism to be allowed to share their former churches with Anglicans who remain in the Church of England.
Why can’t TEC respond in this manner? If the majority of a congregation departs to another Church, then allow them to lease the building for worship and, even, for office space. Continue to have fellowship together and promote Christian charity rather than political acrimony.
What a novel, and yet, Christian concept!
Hmmm proof will be in the pudding. Great news now let us pray it is acted on and with generosity. Note too how the final sentence claims ownership of all finances, etc…
No.1: I don’t doubt that, in some instances, such an arrangement could have been worked out, at least in my Diocese. The problem was that the departing group unilaterally asserted a right of occupation and went to court to transfer property documents. Once that happens, it’s pretty hard to come to an arms’-length agreement that reflects fair lease value of worship and office space.