Assembly October 2009
Summary information about the October 2009 Assembly and pictures are to be found here, but the most important results are as follows.
Statement from Bishop Moyer
The well-attended Assembly was a grace-filled gathering where all in attendance became aware of the movement of the Holy Spirit. The bishops, priests, ordinands, and lay representatives were brought to a place of “being in full accord and of one mind,” as St. Paul prayed for the Church in Philippi.
The questions and concerns that were expressed in regard to what had been read and heard about the forthcoming Apostolic Constitution were addressed by Archbishop John Hepworth. Bishop Mercer, and myself.
The Resolutions unanimously passed by the Assembly were carefully written and clearly reflect TTAC’s corporate desire and intention. All present realised that the requirement for the days ahead is patience, charity, and openness to the Holy Spirit.
The Resolutions
That this Assembly, representing the Traditional Anglican Communion in Great Britain, offers its joyful thanks to Pope Benedict XVI for his forthcoming Apostolic Constitution allowing the corporate reunion of Anglicans with the Holy See, and requests the Primate and College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion to take the steps necessary to implement this Constitution.
That this Assembly is of the respectful opinion that Bishop Robert Mercer CR might be considered for the position of Ordinary in Great Britain.
Background
The reliable background about the news of 20th October 2009 (the response to our petition) is the Vatican statement (with a subsequent clarification) and the statement by Archbishop Hepworth. The Apostolic Constitution "Anglicanorum Coetibus" is now available, as are the "Complementary Norms". The process envisaged by TAC can be seen in the following statement by Archbishop Hepworth. He has now released, following the formal reply to our petition, a pastoral letter "On the Gathering of Anglicans" which includes answers to some important questions.
If you want unofficial comment and analysis, the best web site is probably The Anglo-Catholic.
The Vicar General has issued the following advice about the website Friends of the Ordinariate.
News and Communications
From Ian Gray, Vicar General:
- March 2010 with a meditation for the "dear Feast of Lent"
- January and February 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009 with a meditation for the end of the year
- October 2009 with a piece on handling stress
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009 with an obituary for Fr. Clifford
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
From Brian Gill, former Vicar General:
Unity and Disunity:
- Background paper by Bishop Chislett SSC (July 2009).
- Brief report of a synodical address by Archbishop Hepworth (July 2009).
- Clarification on Rome and the TAC, by Archbishop Hepworth (February 2009).
- A note on "jurisdiction" prepared following discussions at the October 2008 TTAC Synod, by Michael Gray.
- Material from the Messenger site, copied October 2006.
- Statement "Rome and the TAC", by Archbishop Hepworth.
- The Farewell Sermon by Bishop David Chislett, commended to us for study by Archbishop Hepworth.
- A media release from the Primate on communication and discretion.
Other matters:
- Church life in Southern Africa, from Bishop Michael Gill.
- Letter on the sanctity of life from Archbishop Hepworth.
- Letter to our persecuted Bishop from Archbishop Hepworth.
- Christmas Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Hepworth.
- Sermon by Bishop Wilkinson (Canada) for all Souls.
- Sermon by our Epicopal visitor, David Moyer SSC, after his recent trial.
- Letter from Canon Ian Gray on developments at St. Katherine.
- Address to Synod from our Epicopal visitor, David Moyer SSC.
- Easter Letter from our Epicopal visitor, David Moyer SSC.
- Address for St. Agatha's Portsmouth by Fr. Aidan Nichols OP.
- The Primate's obituary for Pope John Paul II.
- The Primate's letter on the election of Pope Benedict XVI.
- An obituary for Fr. John Martin, our first Vicar General.
This is a temporary link to a brief report of the 30th Anniversary celebration of the Consecration of Archbishop Mercer.