Acknowledges the 1992 Ad Limina letter. Mentions an event "yesterday". Been ill for 3 weeks.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)BCC [British Council of Churches) Working Party's work is independent of the Pope's visit. Its constitution [composition?] to be an Archbishop, diocesan Bishop and an Auxiliary. We are committed to exploring a way ahead with the BCC. WP needs to listen with integrity to measured arguments. Clark suggests himself as secretariat to the group of three - names he suggests are Archbishop Worlock, Bishop Lindsay, Bishop Henderson.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Suggesting a wise priest, and Chancellor of the Diocese, Canon Paul Taylor. He has seen the letter.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)The Joint Working Group WCC/RCC plenary in Rome will have been concluded in time for the Ad Limina on 16 March.
A week just spent in West country and then going for a 2 week cruise round Britain.
Final text is nearly identical to the first draft - the mood is quite different. Some questions arose which he's not the time to develop. "What I believe in is the Church which Christ founded which entailed a ministry.. slowly revealed in the New Testament... the famous 'hierarchy of truths'". "After all, the question of validity is largely obsolete, whereas the question of authenticity of ministry is right up to date and requiring resolution."
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Personal: thanking the Cardinal for presiding over the debate. Concerned about the ability of colleagues to rise to the occasion and avoid the charge of "Fortress Catholicism", otherwise "we'll dwindle (yes, we)". Perhaps Bishop Clark's remarks were a spill over form the days of ARCIC in the 70s; but, need to those with imagination and initiative to pursue the aims and objectives of ARCIC and unity as a whole.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Cannot duck the new Joint Working Group's first plenary [re dates for Ad Limina].
Assures the Cardinal he has been consistently fit until the virus came along - spent a week in "Hope House" in Cambridge and apart from catarrh is back on form.
Confidential: Marist Provincial confirmed that within the Constitution of the Congregation Marist priests cannot become Bishops - exceptionally a missionary diocese may be allowed.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Confidential: Theological issue relating to partial communion with Catholic Church. Matter to be put to two Australian theologians.
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)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."
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Letter sent to Cardinal Ratzinger - Bishop Clark supports text - hopes a timely response is obtained. Still thinks that clarification regarding the acceptance of elderly married is required.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)£2,000 donation forwarded to the Bishop by the Cardinal from funds from an anonymous donor.
Thanks the Cardinal for thinking of us up here in the "flat lands".
Anonymous donation is acknowledged and will assist some of the poorer clergy of the Diocese.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Authorising the request from the parish of the Sacred Heart, East Dereham to establish an affiliation with the Archconfraternity of St Stephen.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Strictly Private and Confidential: Cannot think of anyone who could fulfil the requirements set out by Cardinal Neves.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Fr Harry Wace has requested the establishment of the Guild of St Stephen in the parish of the Sacred Heart, East Dereham. "Dick" [Fr Richard Healey] (Parish of St Oswald, King and Martyr, Peterborough) asks "Paul" [Paul Maddison, Bishop's Secretary] to arrange for a letter to be signed by the Bishop and sent to Anthony Hawes KSG at the Archconfraternity of St Stephen. Includes a draft for the letter to the Cardinal.
Manuscript annotation to insert "Your Eminence" and "EKW / S" [every kind wish]
Cathedral project phases 1-4; Cost £350,000 (equals 100 medium priced cars!); Appeal; Blackfriars Hall in Norwich on 3rd February 1978, Cardinal Hume and other patrons attending; requesting names and addresses of potential donors; hospital for cyst removal on 12 February
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)