Catholic Churches of Our Lady of Sorrows,
Effingham and The Holy Spirit, Fetcham

Daphne McLeod’s article in this May’s edition of “The Lychgate” is the very best I have read in defence of the Church’s position on the issue of women priests which should come as no surprise to those who know of Daphne’s deep erudition and spirituality.

It is however a defence of what is, I suggest, an indefensible position in the 21^st century. (more…)

Of course the short answer is because the Church, the Voice of Christ in the World, says they cannot. This would satisfy any faithful Catholic but sometimes we have to explain clear Church teaching to people who are not committed Catholics so it is a good idea to look at some of the thinking behind this ruling. (more…)

In the last edition of “The Lychgate” [May 2010] we reported on progress at the Mtandika Trade School during 2009. As many of you will know, Mary and I visited Tanzania again this September for several weeks, during which time we spent a week with Sister Barberina. (more…)

For centuries people have journeyed from all parts of Europe to Northern Spain where, legend has it, the bones of St James the apostle have their final resting place. Even if it is highly unlikely that St James, either in life or death, ever went anywhere near Spain, the story has taken root and a remote settlement in Galicia has become, after Rome, the busiest centre of Christian pilgrimage. (more…)

Thoughts on the Pope’s Visit

I was not looking forward to the Pope’s visit. The negative media response, particularly the BBC, and the thought of conducting forty parishioners safely from Effingham Junction into Hyde Park was somewhat daunting. However, from the moment the Pope landed in Scotland, his shy, somewhat nervous smile, seemed to change all that. (more…)