Earthen Vessels Summoned to Holiness

NCP's new Chairman, Fr Tom Jordan, reflects on current concerns, and sets a programme for the three years (2007-2009) of his mandate.

Where are we with Cumberlege?

Shortly after my election the prospect of responding quickly to the invitation of Baroness Cumberlege to make a written submission filled me with a great sense of responsibility and privilege. Thankfully I was able to draw upon great help from within the Conference, Fr. Tony Slingo who was appointed Vice Chair, Fr. Jonathan Mitchell our COPCA representative and Fr. Christopher Dawson who was co-opted from the floor, being a good canon lawyer. After meetings in Manchester, Warrington and London, any many drafts, we submitted our report: ours was one of 290 submissions!

Upon receipt of this we were then invited to prepare ourselves for an oral submission of questioning by the full board at Fieldon House, in the shadows of the House of Lords, London in November. Christopher and I were accompanied by Fr. Paul Bruxby for this task. Thanks be to God for good canon lawyers! We were one of 23 such oral submissions.

Where does this leave us? I am hopeful that the Commission will, in time, produce its findings for everyone to digest. There have been a lot of positive changes, but there are still concerns which need to be addressed. The legal tensions between canon and civil law, issues of justice for falsely accused priests and the need for to make legal guidelines available in every diocese. Since 2003 our Conference has been raising the questions regarding; administrative leave, false accusation, recognition from Rome, pastoral care of priests on such ‘leave’, proper and binding procedures for all dioceses – a common policy. Last years Conference propositions have yet to be discussed with the Bishops because of the restructuring of meetings with consultative bodies. We are still hopeful for a fruitful meeting with our brother priests who are now bishops.

As I write, I prepare to visit the American Convention in Florida and hope to gain insight to the Dallas Accord five years on (their equivalent to Nolan).

Preparing for NCP Conference

And now for the future: our three year theme for Conference will be based on Holiness; the call to all God’s people. "Earthen Vessels Summoned to Holiness," at Home (2007), in Community (2008), in Ministry/Priesthood (2009).

My term of office has got off to a cracking start and great challenges lay ahead. I look forward to meeting all delegates and visitors to our next gathering in September 2008 at Leeds. May we continue to grow in holiness as we serve those we represent – our brothers in Christ.