Wednesday 26 May 2010

Methodistical curiosity

I have just had a visit from my opposite number at the Methodist church here in Shoreham. He is due to be ordained soon (though he has been the minister for some two years now), and he tells me that he must have a 'supporter' at the ceremony, due to take place in Portsmouth (Anglican) cathedral. This supporter may be of any (presumably Christian) faith except Anglican.
He shrugged, and said 'historical reasons'.

6 comments:

Matt said...

Can a Catholic "support" a protestant clergyman by our rules and consciences?

How odd that he'll be ordained in an Anglican church but can't have an Anglican churchman be his supporter...

Felix said...

perhaps because the Methodists sort of split from the Anglican Church?

could you support him being ordained as a Methodist minister? if everyone is clear that you didn't regard him as being ordained as a real priest?

but the word "ordained" is suggestive of some confusion on this score

ecumenical patriarch said...

the methodist clergyman does not claim to being ordained as a priest but as a minister. therefore it is entirely possible for a catolic to act as his supporter.

GOR said...

Father, perhaps you could talk Fr. Hunwicke into doing this? I mean, he can hardly be considered an Anglican as most people understand the term...!

Pastor in Monte said...

I'm not sure Fr Hunwicke would like either possibility; being a Methodist minister, or supporting one!

Convenor said...

Dear Father,

Please let the world know about this:

http://catholicheritage.blogspot.com/2010/05/little-sisters-of-good-shepherd.html

God bless you!