THE
P RTAL
November 2011
Page 3
Portal News
19 National Assemblies!
by Dr Gill James
October saw
the 19th national assembly of Forward in Faith. It seemed incredible to reflect on
those 18 assemblies as I made my way to the Emmanuel Centre. We started at Westminster Central Hall
when FiF was a very new organisation.
We then moved to the Camden Centre – just
walking distance from Christ the King and with a
pub directly opposite which must have recorded an
increase in its profits during those two days!
Finally we settled at the Emmanuel Centre
in Westminster – to some complaints about the
uncomfortable seating arrangements. However, it was
big enough to accommodate all the delegates – their
number having increased to the point where the
Camden centre was too small for our needs.
A year of changes
This year illustrated the changes subsequent on the
erection of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of
Walsingham: A new National chairman, (another)
new National Secretary and some familiar faces not
in their usual places.
The assembly content reflected the issues of the
time. We began by hearing reports on the progress
of the legislation. Fr Killwick summarised where we
were and Fr Houlding was delighted to announce that
the house of Clergy at the London diocesan synod
had voted against the legislation. At various times
results of diocesan voting were announced.
the Mission Society
The other aspect to this agenda was to hear reports
on the Mission Society of Ss. Wilfred and Hilda.
Bishop Martyn Jarrett introduced it, although I
personally felt that I was no wiser than when I last
read their webpage!
A New Oxford Movement
As usual during this assembly, we heard reports
from overseas – America seems to be as messy as
ever! This year we were also introduced to the New
Oxford Movement, which I would describe that as
work in progress. It is a new organisation to gather
together younger clergy and lay people to study and
discuss. Personally, I am ambivalent about another
new organisation, although it could be important for
shaping a new younger leadership.
Forward!
Probably one of the most entertaining items came
from Fr Robin Jones and Fr John Caster – who were
charged with advertising the pew sheet ‘Forward!’.
They provided a clear exposition of the value of
using the pew sheet with a great deal of humour
and laughter. The session on vocations was led by
Fr Darren Smith and provided us with input from
people who attended the last Vocations weekend at
S. Stephen’s House, The new chairman gave a clear
address to the assembly – his comparing of Forward
in Faith to ecclesiastical marmalade (liked and
loathed in equal measures) was very apposite!
And finally
It was a joy to catch up with Fr Geoffrey Kirk and
Monsignor John Broadhurst at the Assembly, indeed
Msgr John was present for the entire assembly,
which greeted him very warmly. This year’s assembly
however was generally quite muted. With the voting
in diocesan assemblies still continuing there was a
feeling of being in a place of waiting. Time will tell!