Fr Smith replying on behalf of Bishop Clark to correspondent Miss Mary Dobson,suggesting she contact Fr Chapman at Wymondham re records of forces personnel who died in Japanese hands.
Smith, John Burley RevCardinal (to Mrs Walker) unable to commit additional time to new projects. Suggest that Bishop Clark be contacted with a view to joining the proposed Council of Reference.
Archbishop's OfficeMrs S Walker writes about a proposed Ecumenical Centre at a quiet Cambridgeshire farm house. Currently more Anglican oriented than not, after listing several individuals involved, asks if the Cardinal would be interested in being a member of a Council of Reference to assure people that they are not a "weird cult".
CorrespondentResponding to a correspondent about situation at Downham Market. "I share your anxiety about Downham Market, and for some time now I have been endeavouring to find a viable solution to this unhappy problem." People with cars can drive to Oxburgh or Swaffham - but this is far from a happy solution.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Massive incoming post causes delay. Can debate the central point of the letter: the inadequacy of the New Order Mass compared to the Tridentine Mass. Vatican II debated extensively and profoundly and from there was promulgated the "Constitution of the Sacred Piturgy" in 1963 from which came the April 1969 Apostolic letter of Pope Paul. Fr Baker has known of the1970 Hierarchy directive and has deliberately put his Bishop in an impossible position but is following Canon Law; he could have acted summarily.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Every effort, long hours and many miles involved in finding bridges to attempt to persuade Fr Baker to enjoy the privacy of the Downham Market presbytery. Bishop has for many months been on TV and in print trying to explain what is at stake. "... not just a question of a liturgical rite; it is a refusal to accept the renewed mission of the Church ..."
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Station Adjutant, RAF Bircham Newton: Situation no longer relevant as all Church Parades on Sunday 16 March are made voluntary. Fr Heptonstall's letter of 9th will not be forwarded to higher authority by the Commanding Officer.
manuscript annotation: "Please destroy DH [Fr Heptonstall]"
Confusion over Foundation Mass arrangements partly due to handover between priests. Apologises for hurt due to a genuine misunderstanding - apologies have also been provide by the priest and the Deacon.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)[not recorded]
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)[not recorded]
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)[not recorded]
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Provides a copy of Fr Dobson's letter. Clearly he has fulfilled his pastoral responsibilities - it may be that the old lady in question simply cannot remember the visits. Need to put the record straight and know the truth otherwise inaccurate and uncharitable remarks may be spread. Hope this will ease anxiety about care for the lady.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Thanks him for the intervention. Bishop's first inclination was to mollify the complainant. Peter Wilson, Diocesan Treasurer, does not consider that the Church need to undertake this kind of expense in these circumstance.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Is aware that people are unhappy at Dersingham. He is looking into it.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Understands the difficulties and is trying to do something about it: to relieve pressure on Deacon Matthews and to provide a priest for Sundays. Despite what is possible a full-time priest will not be provided for Dersingham.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Some very polarised views being received by the Bishop. Concerned that the sick and elderly should be visited. A meeting is to be convened between, Fr Dobson, Deacon Len Matthews, the Dean and the Vicar-General to discuss all the issues and to devise a workable solution for the pastoral care of all parishioners.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Thanking Donor. Appreciates their support for the generous donation and asks for their prayers for Walsingham Shrine and all those giving their time and talents.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)To Miss Preston; £45 cheque received from solicitors in Manchester for distribution to poorer clergy of the Diocese. Lists 11 priests. As Fr Ketterer was the young man, going to be a priest, known to Mrs Gosselin, he has therefore received the larger sum [£2; rest received £2.10]
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Policy in the matter of parental choice in schools is available from HMSO. Means tests will apply when that choice involves an independent school. Fortunate that the Local Authority has agreed to meet some of the costs. The Bishop does not wish to be burdened by such letters when the correct approach is via the parish priest. Need to convince the LEA that the local school cannot meet the daughter's educational needs.
Brewer, Arthur T Rev BCL (-1972)