Covering letter for a more detailed memo and photocopies of Halsbury Laws 4th Edition 1080 of Vol 14.
Head, Adrian Herbert Judge (rtd) (1923-2012)Churchwarden & Rector would prefer an outright free gift of the church. However, Church Commissioners prefer a full repairing lease with a peppercorn rent - their general policy. Is this acceptable?
Blackburne, Hugh Rev (1912-1995)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.
Blackburne, Hugh Rev (1912-1995)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.
The policy on this was formulated by Bp Riddell. The seat of the old Walsingham shrine was utterly destroyed - nothing remains except for some ruins in Protestant hands. King's Lynn was where Leo XIII placed the shrine. What the Anglicans do is their affair. Some Catholics think differently and advertise their pilgrimages in the Tablet - until he contacted the Tablet. Continue to remind enquirers that the shrine is at King's Lynn, an old port through which the bulk of pilgrims from the Continent made their way to the famous old Shrine.
Apologies for the shortness of the letter as still in bed with pneumonia.
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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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!
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Apoligise for the delay in replying - have been in Rome, etc. Need to consult with turstees - normally disinclined unless a property is freehold. Can imaging the disappointment of the Anglican community.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Good news. Proper legal transfer is necessary. Will ask Peter Wilson to set up the negotiations.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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!
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)