Thinking Anglicans

Papal visit: Church Times reports

Ed Beavan Pope and Dr Williams find accord at Lambeth Palace

Paul Handley in Westminster Hall Religion is not ‘a problem to be solved’, says Benedict

Text of Pope’s address in Westminster Hall

Ed Thornton Dr Williams embraces Pope in Westminster Peace

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

12 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
JCF
JCF
14 years ago

“Religion is not ‘a problem to be solved’, says Benedict”

Yes, but religion UNDER Benedict, IS (and sadly, not only for Roman Catholics—as any person w/ a uterus and/or an LGBT orientation can attest)

Father Ron Smith
14 years ago

Ed Thornton’s article contained the following serious glitch. One hopes it will be corrected by the Church Times – before too many people read it and are misled about the mission of Jesus:

‘The Rt Revd John Christie, read from the Gospel of St Mark, chapter 10, verses 35-45, which included Christ’s declaration that “the Son of Man came NOT TO SERVE but to be served” (my caps)

Was this read from any particular conservative version of the Bible? one wonders!

Laurence Roberts
Laurence Roberts
14 years ago

Authoritarian understandings and presentations of religion are problematic. Especially when backed-up with repression and aggression, as it has been throughout history. The Churches have a terrible history in this regard. Individuals struggle to be free to think, live and pray as they need to or wish to. Sometimes peoples or nations also struggle for self-determination. Both Joseph Ratzinger and Rowan Williams could have used their intelligence and influence to reform their denominations in the light of modern needs and thinking; and new understandings emerging all the time, in all fields of study and endeavour. Their nerve has failed them. But… Read more »

Father Ron Smith
14 years ago

“Both Joseph Ratzinger and Rowan Williams could have used their intelligence and influence to reform their denominations in the light of modern needs and thinking; and new understandings emerging all the time, in all fields of study and endeavour.” – Laurence Roberts, on Saturday – re Rowan Williams: His predecessor did just that, and look where it got us – GAFCON & Lambeth 1.10. re Pope Benedict: he is a child of the Roman Magisterium. When his predecessor Pope John XXIII actually broke the mould and used his native intelligence and authority to bring about reform of his Church, via… Read more »

Father Ron Smith
14 years ago

Just loved this percope from the report on the Pope’s and the ABC’s visit to the tomb of St. Edward the Confessor after Solemn Evensong in the Abbey:
“Benedict XVI shook incense towards the tomb of the monarch, who is regarded as a saint by both churches”

It would seem that the ABC also ‘shook’ incense toward the tomb – whatever that might mean. I do hope the Holy Office does not take that ritual and publish it in their Ritual Notes. Remember, we saw it in the Abbey first!

Laurence Roberts
Laurence Roberts
14 years ago

The Rt Revd John Christie, read from the Gospel of St Mark, chapter 10, verses 35-45, which included Christ’s declaration that “the Son of Man came NOT TO SERVE but to be served” (my caps)Rev Ron Smith Well spotted ! This slip seems to me, nicely to demonstrate the way Josef Ratzinger and his hierarchy see the matter. They wish us to serve them. Their expensive hotels show this. Ratzinger apart- yet he is not staying with ordinary UK RC families at all, is he ? This ‘serve me’ obey me mindset is getting into anglican bishops around the world,… Read more »

bobinswpa
bobinswpa
14 years ago

Very well put LR>

Robert Ian Williams
Robert Ian Williams
14 years ago

Ron, the curia do advise the Pope.. only when the Pope exercises his ministry definitively on faith and morals are they infallible.

Pope’s can make pastoral mistakes..or wrong individual ones. Like the Pope who requested the assassination of Elizabeth the first.

The Pope can pick a duff bishop or be lax in his discipline.A Pope, like each one of us, will give account before God.

Catholics do not regard the Pope as some cultists regard their leadership..i.e that he can do no wrong or that he is directly directed by God in every action.

Tiggy
Tiggy
14 years ago

As a convert from the Anglican Church, some thirty years ago. Some of the above comments make me very sad.
I do not decry my former Church, as it taught me a lot, and started my spiritual formation.
I suggest some of the above contributers search their own souls, and take the planks out of their own eyes.

Jerry Hannon
Jerry Hannon
14 years ago

As a convert from Roman Catholicism, some thirty-three years ago, the arrogance of most of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church — but thankfully not from most of those down in the proverbial trenches, actually doing the good work of the Lord — nauseates me.

Moreover, the mote/eye analogy plays in both directions, Tiggy.

And, like you, my foundation in my former church — which established my faith, which was then strengthened and nurtured by the Episcopal Church — was the beginning of my spiritual formation.

JCF
JCF
14 years ago

As you asked nicely Tiggy, I will take that under advisement.

Blessings on your journey, AND your church. May we both find unity in Christ, in God’s Time.

Ed Thornton
Ed Thornton
14 years ago

Fr Smith,
The quote from the Gospel of Mark has been corrected on the Church Times website. It wasn’t an attempt to mislead people about the mission of Jesus, just an error made while writing in a hurry to file copy after the service. Thanks for pointing it out!
Ed

12
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x