Wednesday 18 July 2007

Canon Nicholas France on ecumenism

Canon Nicholas France commented:

"One of the first principles of ecumenism I was taught, is that we should be
open to learn from other Churches. This has been my experience working in
Churches Together in both Southampton and Jersey . So, in the Catholic
Church, we still have much to learn from the Churches of the Reformation. We
waited four hundred years, not to lose face, before adopting a vernacular
liturgy, allowing the chalice to the laity, and promoting reading of the
scriptures, all valid demands of the Reformers. Perhaps we need to go
further and remove compulsory priestly celibacy, less valued today even by
our own people, who blame this for some of our recent self-inflicted wounds.
Such a reform might allow our clergy to adopt a healthier lifestyle and
ensure our people an easier access to the Eucharist and better pastoral
care. Is that our future? "

http://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/125Celebrations/Winchester_Homily.htm

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