Covering letter for a more detailed memo and photocopies of Halsbury Laws 4th Edition 1080 of Vol 14.

Comments very helpful. Next time must avoid delays; make firm decisions to avoid costs rising all the time. Might be a good situation for a church sharing scheme - however have not mentioned this to Fr Richmond nor Rev Isaacson - doubt that they'd want to start over again.

Share the sadness that these negotiations have fallen through, but can understand why. Can Bishop Clark comment on whether he'd have taken a different view if things had been different? The transfer of St Mary's in Thetford is going ahead satisfactorily on the basis of a lease.
manuscript ps: hoped Bishop Clark had a happy time at Ely Cathedral for the ecumenical service.

Thanking Adrian Head for the time and trouble spent in puzzling out the options for All Saints. Its a shame that legal obstacles thwart the gift of the church to the catholic community.

Sensitive to the generosity of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and the Rector and people of Burnham. The project died quietly and the material burden of the lease made it almost inevitable that a halt would be called to the project. Thetford is going well - a larger community helps!

Reference to the Church Commissioners' letter to Rev Isaacson. Have to withdraw from the leasing project. The terms of the lease, as his advisers say, would place too great a financial burden on a small parish. Thanks the Bishop for his sensitivity during this time and is encouraged by the close bond of friendship and understanding between the two communities at Burnham Market.

13 May in the Paddington area to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of opening of the Anglican Shrine at Walsingham. This is a week after the synod vote on Anglican/Methodist reunion. There may be a protest against this scheme there. Rather delicate position for the RCs as we cannot be seen publicly associating with opposition to the scheme.

Acknowledges receipt of the "aide mémoire" - clear and outlined the problem perfectly. Accepted the Cardinal's point to Canterbury regarding the differences between ourselves on the approach to Anglican Orders. Reconciliation of the respective churches first, then easy to make good any defect in present Anglican Orders.

Property transfer to Diocese of east Anglia trustee soon. Fr Nesden has a convert Anglican clergyman looking after house, church and grounds (Andrew Kingcomb). Do not wish to install a priest at Dersingham so for now I need to halt your initiative. Fr Charles Howarth says Sunday mass at Dersingham.

Bishop has re-drafted the text provided by Fr Birch. The opening paragraph needed revision to clarify a few points but the remainder is good. Fr Birch must sign with the Bishop.

Not keen on paying for the church, or even renting it. The original proposition was affordable if taken steadily. If the Church Commissioner's remain steadfast then we may think of an extension to St Henry's.

Await the Church commissioners. Hope there will not be a mountain of legal fees. Fr Richmond spoke well that the best use for the church is the purpose for which it was built.

Good news. Proper legal transfer is necessary. Will ask Peter Wilson to set up the negotiations.

Having a church would be a great blessing, but need to be cautious with ancient buildings. Will need to examine the quinquennial reports of the Anglican Diocesan surveyors.

Issues about the church: suitable for today's liturgy, etc,; whether a financial transaction is involved; enough money for necessary restoration. No diocesan funds at the moment - the bishop has his own roof problem!

Page 1: Letter - inclined to let All Saints drop
Page 2: transcript of letter from Fr Richmond of 12 June 1978

Understand that the Anglican authorities may need to declare All Saints redundant during a reorganisation. Express sympathy to the Vicar and his congregation at the loss but offset this by saying the Roman Catholic community would greatly benefit if it was released to them. Good to have met you and your wife on Wednesday.

Rev K V Ensor's letter touched the Bishop deeply and precious to receive especially from an Evangelical Anglican. Shares the need not to tamper with doctrine under the rubric of spurious ecumenism. The doctrine of the RC Church is embodies in the New Order of Mass which is shared substantially with the Anglican Communion. The Church is not an abstraction; it is for the episcopate to discern what is to be done in the development of the Catholic faith.

Sketching out the agenda for the Hierarchy Meeting and for the debate of the Statutes. Perhaps Cormac, Pat Kelly, Vincent and self, etc. to meet. Points to make:

• dispensation from celibacy for married clergy judged suitable candidates for priesthood
• Holy Father and CDF said be "generous" and "flexible" - too hasty a response will send wrong signals
• several Bishops (Southwark, Arundel & Brighton, East Anglia) putting their men through a two year part time course at Wonersh - two years should be a minimum.
• time prior to preparation should include that already undertake
• ordination should not be presumed
• finance needs spelling out

Surprised the Cardinal revealed all - picked up by Catholic Herald and the Telegraph - have since turned down an invitation to speak on Radio 4. Cormac has been in contact. Major hurdles itemised by Bishop Clark in respect to the nature of the ministry of married (and elderly/pensionable) Anglican Clergy within the Catholic Church; managing the sceptics in Rome notwithstanding some Bishops already have candidates in training; use of a Canon Lawyer (Peter Smith ideal). Suggests a structure to clarify lines of responsibility, if the post holders are agreed. Started moving personal effects in to the retirement bungalow - "I wonder whether my hunch will be verified/vindicated."