Catholic World News

Anglican bishop compares Pope’s initiative to ‘cat among the pigeons’ November 13, 2009

Addressing a diocesan synod, Dr. Tom Butler, the Anglican bishop of Southwark, has issued a warning to communities that may enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Pope Benedict’s new apostolic constitution. “No priest or group of laity has the right to take church property with them when they change denominations, for a diocese holds such property in trust for the mission and ministry of the Church of England to all the people of its parishes and this duty of care would continue,” he said. “I don’t myself see how a parish could legally take the parish church and other assets without specific statutory authority.” Dr. Butler added that the apostolic constitution had “put the cat among the pigeons.”

For his part, Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, primate of the Anglican Communion, said on All Saints Day, “God knows what the future holds for any of us … And at times when the future seems more than usually chaotic and uncertain, it doesn’t hurt simply to give thanks.”

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Rowan Williams: Anglican future looks 'chaotic and uncertain' (The Times)

It's Your Turn to Sound Off!

» To ensure well-meaning comments, only donors are allowed to Sound Off.
  If you're a donor, log in; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Sound Off! Comments

• Posted by: couissent - Nov. 15, 2009 5:52 PM ET USA

  This man has a slender grasp on reality: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1089158.ece

• Posted by: extremeCatholic - Nov. 13, 2009 10:18 PM ET USA

  In the end, it seems to be about the bank accounts, real estate, and the copiers and computers. If all the people of a parish return to the unity of the Catholic Church, what remains of the "mission" of the Church of England in that parish?

• Posted by: walterbrietzke3151 - Nov. 13, 2009 12:10 PM ET USA

  "changing denominations" Who's changing denominations. They are just entering the church.

• Posted by: skladach - Nov. 13, 2009 12:10 PM ET USA

  Benedict XVI has a fondness for cats that is due to upbringing rather than theological conviction. The homing pigeons in this case requested clearance to make a landing, and they'll be safe in his house. Bishop Tom--or is it "His Worship"? I dunno, being from the other side of The Pond--should watch his language lest some wag search the bestiary and Aesop for a metaphor that suits his sour, short-sighted remarks. (Lots of English churches changed hands in the 16th c.)

• Posted by: DrJazz - Nov. 13, 2009 8:15 AM ET USA

  “No priest or group of laity has the right to take church property with them when they change denominations, for a diocese holds such property in trust for the mission and ministry of the Church . . . " Stop right there, Dr. Tom, and tell us how it is that the Church of England (and the nobles) made off with all that property that belonged to the Catholic Church until 1533 or so.