Becket, Peter and the Church

One of the arguments in favour of the Anglican Church is that it is the continuation of the Catholic Church in England as founded by St. Augustine, and has inherited the spirit of the Celtic Church (pre-Whitby?); that it is Catholic and "reformed" , being cleansed of the accretions that came with a misguided development of Papal authority. The argument cannot be sustained.

In the Divine Office for the Memoria of St. Thomas Becket, we have an extract from his letters.

He speaks of the importance of the Papal office;

"Who can doubt that the Church of Rome is the head of all the churches, the source of Catholic teaching? Who does not know that the keys of the kingdom of heaven were given to Peter? Is not the whole structure of the Church built on Peter's faith and teaching, so to grow until we all meet Christ as one perfect man, united in faith and in our recognition of him as Son of God?"

As much as I love and respect my Anglican brothers and sisters, I have to say that the Catholic Church was not reformed by Cranmer and then re-Catholicised by people like Laud. No, the Catholic Church was already undergoing its true reformation with the arrival of St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Dominic, and this was later taken up again by figures like St. Philip Neri, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Pius V (etc). The Holy Spirit did not abandon the Catholic Church, nor did the Spirit move only in the hearts and minds of the English Protestant reformers. This is not to say that most of those reformers were not spiritual or holy people, but that they were mistaken. The real mistake is to walk away from Rome (as, in the legend, Peter himself almost did). Looking at Becket's understanding of the importance of Rome and the Pope can it really be argued that there can be any genuine continuation of Catholicism without Peter? Is such an argument sustainable? I don't believe it is.

The Church is always in need of reform because it is a Church of sinful men and women, as well as being holy because it is founded by Christ and is inhabited by the Holy Spirit. But this Church, to be recognised as holy, must be one, and there can be no unity without Peter. This seems resoundingly obvious. The Church of Augustine was the Church of Rome - of Peter. We cannot forget that he was sent by Gregory the Great, nor was the Celtic Church anti-Papal. There is a sense in which anti-Roman does not mean anti-Pope, and honesty forbids reading into the Celtic Church before Whitby a desire to be entirely free of the Pope. In any case, there was agreement after Whitby in the sense that the Church remained one. There are many Catholics in the world and many in England, but the truth is that there is only one Catholic Church. It is not as it should be. We need to be re-united with our brothers and sisters in the East. Until that day we are weaker than we should be, and the Gospel is not preached with the power that will conquer the world. The need for unity is very great indeed. We should be passionate about it, and ready to die for it because it is a sign of the Kingdom.

Christmas Blessings

This extraordinary picture is from a Russian prayer card. I discovered it on the internet last year. It is fascinating considering the Russian Church's desire to purge itself of Western influences in the 19th century. Perhaps it has a German connection. The colours are unusual and it is possible that it could be the work of a Russian artist. Later Russian icons often had a more "representative" look, and although this is not an icon, there is something Russian about it. It speaks of a deep and simple (in the best sense) devotion, and there is an intimacy about it which certainly fits in with an aspect of Russian spirituality.

Happy Christmas!

An Extraordinary Talent - Susan Boyle

I have been battling a virus which keeps receding and then reminding me it has not gone! So I decided to wrap some Christmas presents this morning whilst listening to Susan Boyle. What a remarkable talent! She is not the greatest singer in the world, but there is something very special about her. Frank Sinatra was reckoned to be a great singer because of his "phrasing" ( I suppose it's akin to timing in a comedian or pace and pausing in an actor or reader of poetry).

Susan has an ability to "phrase" her songs, and this, in my opinion, is what makes her, potentially, of great note.

I am not advertising her CD, merely sharing my appreciation of a natural talent. She says that she wants to help others with the money she has made. A shopping spree is not on the cards apparently. She says she is happy she can now buy her family home. I just hope she is not spoilt by all the usual celebrity garbage!

Dressing for The Occasion

On two blogs I have seen mention of the Maniple. Apparently there is an article on Zenit explaining that is was not "abrogated" and, in the Ordinary Rite of Mass, is "optional". This is certainly news to me. Coincidentally I was thinking only today, whilst vesting for Mass, and thinking about the old vesting prayers, how sad it is that we (most priests) no longer wear amices. The amice prayer is not only beautiful, but (I would say) necessary. The same could be said about the prayer for the cincture. The Holy Father has asked priests to consider using the vesting prayers (a modern set excludes the maniple). Of course, if we are going to use these prayers, it makes sense to wear those symbolic bits and pieces. Personally, I would be glad to see the maniple returned because it speaks of the struggles, sufferings and fruit of the priestly ministry. To wear the maniple, knowing what it symbolises, can only be encouraging, and it is true that I find it so when celebrating the Old Rite.

There is more to be said on this subject, but I need to think around it a bit more.

The Real Problem with Science

Sir Fred Hoyle (1915 - 2001)

"The great British scientist Sir Frederick Hoyle has said that the probability of the sequence of molecules in the simplest cell coming into existence by chance is equivalent to a tornado going through a junk yard of airplane parts and assembling a 747 Jumbo Jet!"

This is quoted from the OrthodoxNet site's article about "Junk Science" and Darwinian theory.

Fred Hoyle was born in Bingley, West Yorkshire which is not many miles from where I am (in fact, just down the road). I remember reading Hoyle's book, "The Intelligent Universe" back in the 1980's. I was very impressed with it, and it has made me a Darwinian Sceptic. Like many Christians I accept that there has been some evolution, but that there is a design in the Universe. Fred Hoyle believed this though he did not speak or write much about God. Part of his vision of the Cosmos looks very much like that of Teilhard de Chardin. Incidentally, I wonder how many people know that a few years before his death, the late John Paul 11 spoke in glowing terms of De Chardin's spirituality (something I have always admired), and had nothing harsh to say about his scientific endeavours.

When I was studying Anthropology at Durham, back in the 70's when most people were happy to accept that Australopethecus was an early hominid and that there was plenty of evidence suggesting that all we were lacking was the so-called "missing link", I learned some important things about science (based on the work of Karl Popper). I later discovered that many scientific experiments and theories - and even conclusions - need to be judged in the light of human activity and fallibility. This is not to say that "science is bunk" to borrow from Henry Ford, but that science, by its very name, does not always produce the complete truth. A speck of dust here, a slip of the elbow there, a breath in the wrong place etc can be part of the whole show.

Take a look at the article on OrthodoxNet, it has some interesting information.

Happy Hannukah

Our Jewish brothers and sisters are celebrating Hannukah. It began on sundown on December 11th and continues for eight days. It is one of the lesser Jewish feasts and is more popular today because it is so close to Christmas. Catholic and Orthodox Christians should mark the festival because in their bibles they have the story of the Maccabees (not accepted by the Jews as part of their Scriptures).

The word "hannukah" (Hebrew) means dedication, and the feast marks the re-dedication of the Jerusalem Temple after it had been liberated by the Hasmoneans. It had been defiled by being used as a place of worship of foreign gods, and by ritual practices such as the sacrifice of swine. The Jewish troops wanted to purify the Temple by burning oil in the Menorah (lampstand) for eight days. Unfortunately there was only enough oil for one day. They used this anyway and to their suprise it lasted through eight days. This miracle of the oil is celebrated using a special menorah called a hanukkiyah (or chanukkiah). This candleholder has a central candle set above the others, and this is called the shamash (helper). This candle is used to light the others. One candle is lit on the first night, two on the second, and so on, until eight are lit. They are lit from left to right with the newest candle being on the left. This is to show that the first night is no more important than any other. The hanukkiyah is usually placed in a window so that those passing by will see the light and be reminded of the miracle of the oil. It is forbidden to use this special candlestick for any other purpose.

Another practice is the spinning of the dreidel (a four-sided top bearing Hebrew letters), and eating fried foods (because of the importance of oil!). The dreidel game was popular during the rule of the pagan Antiochus. When Jews gathered to study Torah (against the pagan law at that time), they brought a top. If soldiers came, they would hide their scripts and pretend to be playing a gambling game with the top. The letters on the top used today stand for the phrase, "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" ("A great miracle happened there") In Israel the last letter is different ("A great miracle happened here"). The game is played for gelt (candy)

Because the celebration of Hannukah is connected with religious persecution, Christians could light a menorah in memory of Christians (and people of other faiths) who are not able to worship freely or who have been imprisoned or maltreated because of their faith. It is also a reminder to all people of faith that God cares about us and that He is the source of all light and in Him we find our true and lasting freedom. So, Happy Hannukah!

New Blog

I have set up another blog to handle larger articles. The first one deals with problems related to climate change. The blog is called, "Watching, Thinking & Praying"

And Now for Some Sanity

There are not many good reasons for keeping a T.V. these days, but here is one of the best; "Shaun the Sheep"! In a world rapidly becoming more insane, let's be thankful for a good dose of sanity. Shaun the Sheep is one of the great natural geniuses of the world; a young person with intelligence and ambition, but above all, a reliable helping hand, a woolly "Jim'l Fix It", more than that, someone who immediately jumps to it when he sees someone in need - a true good Samaritan who enjoys a challenge and never gives in - a figure of hope, courageous and wise. Let's hear it for a great sheep. The Church will be saved by intelligent, fearless sheep like him.


I am a member of the Shaun the Sheep Fan Club. Does anyone know where it is? Here is his website.

Archbishop Rowan Williams and "Theological Eccentricity"

According to an interview in the Telegraph today (Saturday 12th), Archbishop Rowan Williams considers the possibility of Anglo-Catholics accepting union with Rome under the terms offered by Pope Benedict as "Theologically eccentric". He is confident that only a few will take up the offer since most Anglo-Catholics, he says, do not believe the Pope is infallible.

With all due respect, it seems to me that there is a great deal of "theological eccentricity" sheltering under the Anglican umbrella. The good Archbishop should be used to it by now.

As for his views on ARCIC, it seems to me that most people will be asking, "why bother?" Recent statements by some Anglicans suggest that any further discussion is pointless at this stage. The Archbishop seems to suggest that such discussions are really for the benefit of Roman Catholics. Considering that a great many Anglicans will not only reject agreed statements (as they already have done) but are indifferent towards ARCIC, I wonder if we might spend more time praying together, studying the Scriptures and trying to cooperate on those issues we can act on together.

Whilst ecumenical discussions have born fruit between Catholics and Lutherans, discussion with Anglicans seems to bear little or rather bitter fruit. Perhaps the Archbishop is thinking that if we keep on talking Roman Catholics will eventually agree with him, but since there are Anglicans who disagree with him, Catholics would then have to start a dialogue with them - and so on.

This is not the path to unity.

Archbishop Fulton J Sheen

I have added the link for the website of the cause of Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. The Catholic Church in the U.S. has just celebrated the 30th anniversary of his death. I saw part of the anniversary Mass on EWTN, and then watched part of Fulton Sheen's last meditation on Good Friday. What a man! What a priest!

In these sad days when so much that passes for Catholic catechesis is like watery, luke-warm porridge, it's great to hear the substantial full breakfast of Sheen's sermons. (I'm sorry - that's the image that came to mind - I must be hungry!)

Actually, a good bishop or priest is like a father who feeds and clothes his children. Are we being fed today by most of our priests and bishops? I know- and proclaim - that the Church still has excellent and holy priests and bishops, but our catechetical programmes over the last 30 years have been poor and thin by comparison to the kind of teaching we can still hear and see (thanks to video) presented by this great son of the Church. I sincerely hope he is beatified and canonised - as quickly as possible, following the great Cardinal Newman.

The Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception

In honour of Our Lady, here is a beautiful version of one of my favourite Marian anthems - Ave Maris Stella. The images are of variable quality but the music is excellent.

Global Warming Again

Just in case recent news reports are encouraging anyone to start believing the theory of man-made global warming, here (hopefully) is a video of Alan Carlin, a scientist who was almost silenced last year when he presented a report questioning some of the so-called "science" behind that theory. The link is; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvBEvwCrwUg&NR=1

Tough Love and Speaking the Truth

I suppose I am one of those people that are difficult to categorise. When I was one of two curates in a busy parish some years ago, my fellow curate gave me the present of an icon of St. John the Baptist because I was, he said, "a voice crying in the wilderness". I have sometimes been criticised because I am too soft on people, and on other occassions I have been severely criticised because I am "too strict". I admit that after 30 years of priesthood I sometimes wonder if I will ever strike the right balance. I have been advised by someone I deeply respect that I should exercise "tough love", and advised by one or two others not to speak about sin, and especially to stay off the subject of abortion.

I know you cannot please everyone, and so many judgements are subjective. I have been complemented on my singing voice (by my former bishop amongst others) but received a letter recently saying that listening to me sing the Mass is "painful". Will the real me please stand up!

I recently had to write (or thought I had to write) a letter to Catholic parents of the local school, reminding them of their duty as Catholic parents to bring their children to church. It was also addressed to the parents of the new First Communion candidates. Some people who do their best and some who do attend regularly were offended or a bit upset. I have had to explain that, of course, my letter was not intended for them. It was sent out through the school, so I have had to rely on their address list. Two families have opted out of the First Communion programme because they "cannot" (in one case will not) bring their children to Mass. I was prepared for a bitter response from some people, but not for the personal abuse contained in one reply. Thankfully most of the children have returned to Mass which shows that the letter had a positive effect as well.

Where do we stand today on preaching the faith? I must say that I will not stop speaking about sin until I am dead. There, I said it! Secondly, I only preach about sin because I want to help people get rid of it. Is that bad? I don't think so. Thirdly I want (although I make mistakes) to do God's Will and to preach what He wants me to preach which means that I try not to present my own opinions (with any authority, at least) but I try, as far as possible, to speak the truth. For me, this is the only way. Jesus said, "The Truth will set you free", and I have always believed this, therefore I must live by it. Please God I will always preach the truth in love, because without love it can sound like ranting (which I have been accused of). It is difficult to be a priest today, but as long as I am active in the ministry I hope to go on trying to speak the truth in love. I know at least some people are listening even if I can't see them.

Richard Todd RIP

Richard Todd, who has just died at the age of 90, was one of my favourite actors. In a way I grew up with him, although he is 30 years my senior. When I was very young I was taken to see "The Dam Busters", and so he has become one of the faces I remember from my earliest years. I used to think he was not really an actor but had drifted into it after the war, but this is unfair. I realised just how good an actor he was when I saw the film, "A Man Called Peter" which is one of the best "religious" films I have ever seen. If you can, get the DVD.

The film is based on a true story - that of Rev. Peter Marshall, a Presbyterian minister who started in a humble, small-town congregation (I forget the name of the location in the U.S.) and then went on to become a well-known pastor in New York, eventually becoming Chaplain to the United States Senate. The film was based on a book written by the late Peter Marshall's wife, which became a best seller. I was so impressed with Todd's acting in this that I had the idea he must be a religious man. I found out that, if he was, he hardly ever said anything about it, and there was no proof that he was a practising Christian (although I would love to be proved wrong). He was born in Dublin, but I always thought he was a Scot since he often played Scottish characters and had a convincing accent.

Since seeing that film, I have looked out for others. Some have not been so good, but others have been excellent, and I am thinking of a British "Film noir" called, "Never Give In" which also has Peter Sellers in a cracking dramatic role. Todd was much better than many people knew - and perhaps better than he knew himself. I know he was a courageous man (a war hero) and suffered a lot in his life (two of his children committed suicide!). Much of his work was not only good, but uplifting, and I'm sure his portrayal of Peter Marshall has had a profound effect on some people.