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| Simon Cowling, Dean of Wakefield Source: Yorkshire Post |
Some readers may have received this statement from Forward in Faith:
Forward in Faith notes the Dean of Wakefield’s decision to comply with the ruling of the Independent Reviewer, Sir William Fittall, in his report on Wakefield Cathedral by making available to the complainant a service rota with information about the identity of those who will be celebrating the Eucharist in the Cathedral.
"This is a welcome first step towards making Wakefield Cathedral once again a truly inclusive church in which traditional catholics are made welcome and encouraged to flourish. We hope for even greater generosity in future."
From the dean's response:
"I have now notified Sir William that I intend to keep the existing policy in place, but with a significant adjustment which I believe to be in line with the spirit of his conclusions. I will be offering a pastoral, face to face, meeting with anyone who is a regular member of the worshipping community at Wakefield Cathedral who is unable for reasons of conscience to accept the priestly ministry of women. This will afford the space for a shared conversation and the opportunity for me to offer to send a paper copy of the quarterly rota when it is published. This will be on the understanding that it is for their personal use and that it may change at short notice. I am pleased to say that I have already had such a conversation with the individual whose letter of concern prompted the Review and the person concerned is reflecting on this offer."
A member of the congregation of Wakefield cathedral wrote to the Independent Reviewer under the House of Bishops declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests expressing concern at a change of practice concerning the publication of names of those due to preside at celebrations of Holy Communion in the Cathedral.
The Independent Reviewer concluded that whether or not the dean and chapter routinely publishes the names of celebrants was "a matter of judgement for them" but the information should be supplied in good grace to anyone who asks for it in advance so that "they can make an informed choice over whether to attend a particular service in the light of their theological conviction in relation to gender and ordained ministry."
"Reciprocity and mutuality mean that the majority and minority need to avoid putting stumbling blocks in the way of each other or giving offence: members of chapter need to act with generosity, forbearance and pastoral sensitivity to any cathedral worshippers - especially regular members of the cathedral community - who are unable on grounds of theological conviction to receive the sacramental ministry of women priests; similarly the latter need to show respect to all chapter clergy and seek to maintain the highest possible degree of communion."
The highest possible degree of communion can best be achieved by not setting artificial barriers which frustrate those who on theological grounds are unable to accept the sacramental ministry of women priests.
The bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines said of Dean Cowling: “Simon has wide parochial and cathedral experience, and, working with good colleagues, he will bring significant gifts, knowledge and wisdom to the task of leading Wakefield Cathedral.” Intimidation might have been more apt.
The Dean of Wakefield's response to Sir Williams Fittall's conclusions is to 'afford space' for a 'shared conversation' and the opportunity to offer to send a paper copy of the quarterly rota when it is published on the understanding that it is for personal use and that it may change at short notice. [My emphasis - Ed.]
There is no need for confrontation, just some respect for the views of orthodox Anglicans who find themselves in a minority in the church of England for keeping the faith shared by millions of others in the Anglican Communion.
Archbishop Barry Morgan performed a similar stunt in Llandaff Cathedral in 2012 when, as acting Dean, he abandoned the concept of twin integrities. Worshippers were expected to await the entrance of the celebrant to discover if they had been conned into appearing to support the ordination of women.
There is nothing to be gained from such mean spirited actions and everything to lose.
The Dean of Wakefield said, "I take my responsibility for playing my part in that search very seriously and it is my sincere hope that the way forward I have outlined will be received in the same spirit with which it is offered." I hope not.
