From Dr Christopher Wilkinson
Sir, - After reading the Code of Practice issued by the Bench of
Bishops of the Church in Wales, to provide for that (sizeable)
minority of the few communicants left in this province who are,
apparently, valued, but in conscience reject the innovation of
women priests and bishops (News, 19 September), I
write with a heavy heart.
I have to ask why we went to the time and expense of meetings in
every diocese, which were well attended and constructive, where
supporters of women's ministry, and orthodox Anglicans, agreed that
they could work together, and where there was a general consensus
that we did have a system that worked, a Provincial
Assistant Bishop who ministered to those "valued" folk.
The Archbishop of Wales is widely reported as stating that there
would be alternative episcopal oversight "over his dead body". How
liberally charitable, fair, supporting, and affirming is that? I am
sure if we were any other kind of minority we would have the full
support of the Archbishop - but it is not, alas, forthcoming for
faithful, orthodox Christians of his flock.
The Church in Wales is in terminal decline. Over the past 20
years membership has plummeted. Am I surprised? No. During this
time, the only evangelising has been the feminist agenda, and this
agenda has fundamentally damaged the Church, because, in true
liberal style, nothing else has been allowed to matter, or get in
the way.
In around ten years, it is predicted, the Church in Wales will
all but have disappeared, except, probably, for the
self-perpetuating Bench of Bishops and the "Senior Clergy" teams,
for which the Church seems to exist.
When this time comes, and there are no congregations, servers,
choirs, organists, etc., who currently fund this Church, may I ask
their Lordships, or even their Ladyships, to perform one last
humble act? Please extinguish the candles.
CHRISTOPHER WILKINSON
3 The Terrace
Rhymney NP22 5LY