A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of the Church of England

8th June 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Jesus prayed: ‘May they be completely one, so that the world may know that you
have sent me.’

As Bishops standing in the Catholic tradition of the Church of England, we write to
encourage and support all those who stand in that tradition.
The celebrations of the Queen’s diamond jubilee have reminded us of the important
bonds that exist within our nation between the monarch, the Church, and the people
of this land. The celebrations have also underlined the value of tradition as
something that is always alive and dynamic, while remaining true to its character and
inheritance.

A sense of the dynamism of Christian tradition is familiar to us from other
celebrations and texts.   We speak of our inheritance of faith as one which “the
Church is called upon to proclaim afresh in each generation.”   These words are
declared before every bishop, priest and deacon and congregation at ordinations
and when new ministry is authorised by the bishop’s licence.

Remaining faithful and obedient to this commission is a challenging task.   The
ordination of women has opened up divisions over what is and what is not a
legitimate development of our inheritance.  We shall see those divisions played out
again at the General Synod in July.  We believe that the Church of England must keep
its pledge to recognise that many in the Catholic tradition cannot in conscience
receive the sacramental ministry of women priests and bishops.

How are we to face the tensions of that debate?  What positive message do we as
Anglo‐Catholics have to give to the Church and to our nation about our distinctive
contribution to the dynamics of our Church, and particularly the call to holiness, a
growing into the likeness of Christ, which has been so much part of the tradition of
catholic spirituality?

Firstly, we must say something about diversity.   At the heart of our theological
tradition is an acceptance that the Church of England is enriched by the range of
viewpoints within its spectrum.   We are committed to the recognition of this
diversity and to the liberty that protects it.  Of course, the defence of liberty is one of
the functions of justice and law, of which the monarch is guardian and symbol.

Secondly, we assert that respect for this diversity needs to find expression in unity as
the foundation for our mission, not only as Anglicans, but also with other Christians.
We have the task of patient reiteration that truth, not personal preference, commits
us to referencing the inherited wisdom of Catholicism in the great traditions of East
and West.   Arising from this, our search for unity will commit us to continuing
engagement with the ARCIC process and dialogue with the Orthodox Churches.

Thirdly, we must commit ourselves to the recovery of a vision for mission that
interacts confidently with present and future realities.   Recovery of confidence
begins with realistic and humble engagement in the experiences and spiritual hunger
of today’s increasingly diverse and un‐Churched society.  In this, we may also have to
acquire the humility to learn from the wisdom of others about how to interpret and
use our distinctive inheritance of faith and practice.

We have a future; the seeds of renewal are sown within us.

The tensions of the next few weeks must not distract us from the task that lies
beyond the General Synod vote on women bishops.  Here is a call to action, to build
afresh.   The issue is simply one of vocation – new Christians entering our
congregations, the confident nurturing of young people to train for priesthood and
lay ministry.

As bishops we commit ourselves to work with you and for you in the months and
years ahead to meet these challenges.  Let us form a future in the Church of England
that is better together in its defence of freedom, respect, diversity and unity, in
order to be effective in our worship of almighty God, service of others, and
converting articulation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ,

+Jonathan Baker Bishop of Ebbsfleet
+Norman Banks Bishop of Richborough
+John Ford Bishop of Plymouth
+John Goddard Bishop of Burnley
+Martyn Jarrett Bishop of Beverley
+Nicholas Reade Bishop of Blackburn
+Tony Robinson Bishop of Pontefract
+Geoffrey Rowell Bishop in Europe
+Mark Sowerby Bishop of Horsham
+Martin Warner Bishop of Whitby (Chichester designate)
+Peter Wheatley Bishop of Edmonton
+Lindsay Urwin