Your answers
Functions of a PCC include "co- operation with the
incumbent . . .", etc. Should this still apply when the incumbent
is deliberately flouting the Canons, the conventions of our Church,
or even diocesan policy?
The full definition provides the answer: "The functions of
parochial church councils shall include (a) co-operation with the
minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the
Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical" - Parochial
Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.
The co-operation required is not, therefore, limitless, and
there is no obligation to co-operate if the incumbent is flouting
the Canons, as that can hardly be called promoting the whole
mission of the Church in the parish.
David Willmets
Seaford, East Sussex
When visiting my brother in Suffolk, we discovered an unusual
situation at the village church . . . [Answers, 23
August]
While I fully support the call in the replies for all concerned
to respect canon law, the most important part of the question seems
to have been missed. There are "three new Christians, including a
teenage lad", attending the irregular eucharist. Salus animarum
suprema lex: the welfare of souls is the supreme law.
Surely the nurture of these brothers and sisters in Christ must
take priority over other agendas. If only for their sakes, this
parish must come together to find an amicable way forward.
Gordon James (Reader)
Macclesfield, Cheshire
The Vicar and PCC have failed to communicate their mission
strategy. The existing eucharist needed to be replaced by something
more attractive. How great if new people were brought in; but how
tragic if it was boycotted by established members!
Of course, elderly traditionalists have their own needs. In the
parish where I retired, the eight-o'clock Sunday communion was
decimated by congregational deaths. With the approval of the
incumbent, I started "clean" church every Thursday - a BCP
communion at 11 a.m. in the church hall, followed by lunch.
(Canon) John Goodchild
Liverpool
Your questions
In the Prayer Book, there is a table of Vigils, Fasts,
and Days of Abstinence. I am curious about what the differences
between these three are. P. C.
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