From Mr Victor Baker-Holmes
Sir, — What a sad business is the
matter of the irregular ordinations in Surbiton. You mention that Dr Philip
Giddings (
News, 11 November) holds the view that what should be addressed is "how
reconciliation can be achieved". That sounds very fine, and one cannot help
wondering what might have happened if Martin Luther and the other Reformers and
those who opposed them had taken a similar view. Perhaps we might be more
united as a Church than we are to-day.
Nevertheless, faced as we are with what sounds very much like schism in the
diocese of Southwark, perhaps this is the time to remind the Revd Richard
Coekin and the other clergy who have supported him that obedience is at the
heart of discipleship.
The Bishop of Southwark has quite properly revoked Mr Coekin’s licence after
what seems to have been a long period of trying to effect reconciliation. I
hope that this action also includes the suspension of any stipend that Mr
Coekin may be receiving from the Church of England. A period of financial
stringency might well persuade Mr Coekin to adopt a more reconciling approach
himself. It might well also act as a warning to other clergy who are tempted to
follow a similar course.
It goes without saying, I hope, that clergy and others are quite at liberty
to disagree with their bishop. Let them do it, please, within the recognised
structures, as fellow-workers for Christ.
VICTOR BAKER-HOLMES
21b Trinity Crescent, London SW17 7AG