Letter: Implications of re-ordaining Anglican priests
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I am neither theologian nor scholar, but have no difficulty in understanding words like 'utterly null and void', used by Cardinal Basil Hume when restating the Roman Catholic view of the orders of Anglican priests ('Church rebels told they must become Roman Catholics as individuals', 24 April).
The argument that these priests would not be required to deny their former ministry will just not wash. We are told that they will have to be re-ordained: if that is not a denial of their former ministry, what is?
What does it say about the nature of the sacraments they have administered as priests in the Anglican Church? There can surely be only one answer: that they are 'null and void'. And where does it leave those of us who have received these sacraments at their hands? 'Betrayed' feels about right.
Yours faithfuly,
BETSY GREY
Whitley Bay, Northumberland
26 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments