THE P RTAL
September 2016 Page 17
The Ordinariate Mk II
Damian Thompson in the Catholic Herald , and Fr Ed Tomlinson on his Blog , have both visited this subject ... the Editors of The Portal make a reasoned comment
In the Catholic Herald of 26th August 2016 , Damian Thompson ’ s article under the title of “ Ordinariate Mk II ” has occasioned a number of telephone calls to The Portal and caused much discussion .
Thompson , a fervent supporter of the Ordinariate , makes a number of observations of a critical nature . First that “ there will be few tears shed by the bishops of England and Wales ” if the Ordinariate does not last . He says the Ordinariate is the size of a large parish , but with eighty ex-Anglican priests to support .
He expresses the opinion that the Ordinariate in its present form cannot survive . In doing so , he stresses the words “ in its present form ”. He encourages the “ visionaries ” among the Ordinariate clergy ( we may add , and laity ) to help it reinvent itself . He champions our Divine Worship , and mocks “ the carping and mockery of Anglo-Catholics ”.
Thompson acknowledges the good work being done by the Ordinariate in a number of places . One such is at Pembury where he names Fr Ed Tomlinson . Interestingly enough , Fr Tomlinson responds on his Blog for 27th August .
Fr Ed makes the valid point that , “ there is a difference in life between constructive and destructive criticism ”. He acknowledges that in places clergy morale is low , and expresses the lack of generosity of some – but not all – the bishops of England and Wales . He makes a plea for one of the church buildings now surplus to requirements up and down the country to be given to the Ordinariate . We may ask , how are they expected to flourish when they are lodgers ?
He questions whether the Ordinariate gets its fair share of the finance where one of its own priests is working for the diocese . He also accepts that weak leadership in some places has not helped matters . Fr Simon Chinery , the Ordinariate Communications Officer also pointed out that in five short years , much has been achieved and clergy redeployed .
Coat of Arms Lapel Badge of the Personal Ordinariate
available from : Ordinariate Lapel Badge , Ladies ’ Ordinariate Group , 22 Redcross Way , London SE1 1TA Cost : £ 5 ( inc P & P ) - cheques payable to : Ordinariate OLW
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Show your support for the Ordinariate
The question of liturgy is given much space in both articles . Damian and Fr Tomlinson both champion our Divine Worship by suggesting that it becomes the norm , if not actually , mandatary . Here we must part company with them .
It is important that the Ordinariate does not become side-lined down the old Anglo-Catholic cul-de-sac of squabbles about liturgy . As Fr Tomlinson said in a different context some years ago , that you wait for a lifeboat to come , then , when one comes along , complain that you want a green , rather than , a blue one !
Yes , liturgy is important . We have Divine Worship . It is ours . But we must always remember that Anglicanorum Coetibus allows an Ordinariate Rite , save that the Roman Rite will always be permitted .
What matters surely , is that the Ordinariate encourages those clergy and lay people who are pioneers and visionaries , who are robust and courageous , and prepared to take risks .
Divine Worship is encouraged , but not mandatory . Rather , that our worship is dignified , that our clergy “ do the red and say the black ”; and at the heart of our Eucharistic Worship is the Eucharistic Sacrifice .
Coming from an Anglican background , we are comfortable with liturgical diversity . Our energy needs to be spent on our mission for the Conversion of England , on challenging the empty liberal voices that are so popular today , and not on criticising each other because we use this , or that , liturgy .
Badge and Cufflinks sold in support Clergy Stipends
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