What seems ages ago I voiced a thought or two about the possibility of an 'ecumenical cathedral' for Christchurch (a large church for the use of all churches for big occasions such as ordinations). Last year we had a 'beat up' article on the possibility of a joint Anglican-Catholic cathedral - it was a 'beat up' in the sense that a remark here and a remark there by a couple of people with no direct say in the future of either cathedral in Christchurch was joined to make a headline. Nevertheless, beat up or not, there has always been a modicum of sense in pursuing the idea of a joint cathedral: when two churches each face massive costs in rebuilding treasured buildings, why not join forces and try to beat the odds of it not working. So to today when Christchurch readers of The Press find the idea of a joint cathedral once again being mooted (bottom front page). This article has its 'beat up' angle: the headline gives the impression of a discussion in the corridors of Vatican and Canterbury (UK) power when no such thing has happened. A discussion has taken place but a close reading of the article suggests only a sharing of information with Vatican officials. Even more important, the article actually says that nothing has changed in respect of the 'corridors of power' in either of the local Catholic and Anglican dioceses.
An intriguing question, nevertheless, is whether God is trying to say something to Christchurch Christians through Fairfax Media? Ut unim sint ...
I recognise, as Bishop Victoria points out, that there are legal matters to be sorted which remain in the courts and thus, in the end, theological desiderata may be trumped by legal judgements!
On the matter of the 'Joint Cathedral' proposal made in the Press today; the first thing that would need to happen would be for the Vatican to recognise Anglican Orders as valid. I cannot imagine the Romans wanting to share an integral worship space with, for instance, clergy whose Orders they did not recognise.
ReplyDeleteThere would have to be a lot more convergence on the understanding of ministry before an Ecumenical Cathedral could find a place in Christchurch - or anywhere else.
In the meantime, the Interim Cathedral (Anglican) seems to be taking shape at Latimer Square.
As a former Sydney Morning Herald worker I think "Yes, God can speak through Fairfax media, but I suspect the very thought would make many Sydney Anglicans choke on their corn flakes!
ReplyDeleteJohn Sandeman
Yes, God is telling us to stop buying and reading the Press. They work for the Father of Lies.
ReplyDeleteI can smell the brimstone already!
ReplyDeleteI rather enjoyed the implication that the Pope and ++David Moxon were somehow equivalent.
ReplyDeleteLynda
Indeed, Lynda!
ReplyDelete