Thursday, November 4, 2010

More Parishes in the CofE Tired of Women Priests

by Tim Ross, Religious Affairs Editor
 
For the first time, the Church published figures showing which parishes have formally rejected women priests. The details come as some traditionalists prepare to quit the Anglican family to take up the Pope’s offer of converting to Roman Catholicism in protest at Church moves to ordain women bishops in England for the first time.
 
About 1,000 out of 13,000 CofE parishes have formally registered their objection to women priests working in their own churches. And some 363 parishes - 23 per cent more than 10 years ago - are now so unhappy at the Church reforms that they are refusing to remain under the pastoral care of their local bishops who have ordained women as priests.
 
Instead, these parishes have applied to come under the pastoral care of the group of traditionalists who refuse to ordain women, known as the "flying bishops". They travel beyond their immediate areas offering ministry to traditionalist parishes. The increase could be the result of a new generation of more liberal bishops who support women’s ordination taking over as more traditionalists retire.
 
The number of parishes objecting to women priests in their own churches has fallen slightly, in part as a result of a decline in the number of parishes overall, with amalgamations during the past decade. Some parishes will have voted again on the issue and decided to adopt a more liberal position. The number of women clergy in the Church of England increased by 53 to 1,649 between 2008 and 2009, while the number of men fell, from 6,750 to 6,579.
 
The Church also released figures for income, which showed that despite the credit crunch, parishioners’ tax-efficient donations continued to increase in 2008.
 
The total income of parishes exceeded £900 million for the first time at £925 million. Dr John Preston, the Church’s National Stewardship and Resources Officer, said: “Whilst recent figures for giving to the wider charity sector have shown a dip, giving to parishes in 2008 saw a further increase to record levels, a sign of the high level of commitment that so many have to supporting the mission and ministry of their local parish church.”

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

A Message from Catholic Vote

by Fr. Deffenbaugh

According to the following letter sent to supporters, the political group Catholic Vote was most successful in this recent election.

___________________________


Dear CatholicVote Supporter,The votes are in.

And the Catholic vote was decisive.

Republicans took control of the house in a massive sweep, while the Senate remains in the hands of the Democrats by a slim margin.

Early indications suggest the GOP won 53% of the Catholic vote with Democrats garnering 45% of Catholics, according to a CNN exit poll. After losing the Catholic vote by 10 points in 2008, this eight point advantage represents an 18-point shift in support to the Republican Party.

CatholicVote.org Candidates

Catholic Republicans like Bobby Schilling in Illinois-17, Sean Duffy in Wisconsin-7, and Dan Benishek in Michigan-1 all won seats held previously by Catholic Democrats who supported the health care bill. All three of these winning candidates happen to be proud pro-life Catholics, and were endorsed by CatholicVote!

In South Carolina, CatholicVote-endorsed Mick Mulvaney shocked the political world by ousting Nancy Pelosi’s Budget Chairman John Spratt, who has been in office since 1983.

In Virginia, the founder of the liberal Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good (a group that publicly justified Catholic support for pro-abortion candidates) lost his seat to pro-life challenger Robert Hurt. CatholicVote.org backed Hurt with a radio blitz during the final week of the campaign.

We also backed Republican Jeff Fortenberry in Nebraska and pro-life Democrat Dan Lipinski in Illinois – both of whom were re-elected. Lipinski was one of the only members of the Stupak coalition that refused to compromise. He voted against Obamacare.

CatholicVote-endorsed candidate Frank Guinta unseated Rep. Carol Shea-Porter in New Hampshire. Shea-Porter claimed a Catholic faith, yet supported abortion and so-called same-sex “marriages.”

In northern Virginia, CatholicVote endorsed Keith Fimian still trails Rep. Gerry Connolly by a mere 820 votes. Some absentee ballots are apparently still to be counted and a recount appears likely. Please pray for Keith. Our candidate in NY-22, George Phillips, did better than anyone expected, but came up short to Rep. Maurice Hinchey.

And in the marquee Senate race in Nevada, Harry Reid defeated CatholicVote-backed Sharron Angle in a disappointing loss.

Putting it in perspective

This means our 2010 Midterm Election campaign racked up 8 wins, 2 losses and one race not yet decided. But we also helped lead the charge in educating, and mobilizing the most important voting bloc in America – the Catholic vote!

Together we are building a movement, and today you should feel proud.

Victories at the ballot box are a start, and the new Republican Party needs to know we expect them to deliver.

Economic issues may have been the biggest story of this election, but let’s not forget what we said last May. Votes have consequences, and virtually every so- called “pro-life” legislator that voted for Obamacare went down to defeat last night.

Those legislators that stood firm on principle, defended life, and opposed the stifling impact of a runaway federal government were rewarded.

We are grateful beyond measure for your help.

Whatever good we may have accomplished, may God be praised!

Brian Burch
President
CatholicVote.org

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Church Leaders THANK Obama for his leadership?

by Staff
 
Members of the National Council of Churches met with Obama on All Saints' Day to thank him for his leadership and passage of the health care bill. No Roman Catholic or Anglican representatives were present, other than Katharine Shori, Presiding Bishopess of the Episcopal Church of the USA. The delegation also pressed him to work more for families facing hunger and poverty. What is most unusual about this meeting is that health care was praised as an accomplishment, despite it vast number of problems from a Christian moral standpoint. 

According to Church doctrine, the provisions of "Obamacare" that appear to provide for the funding of abortions, require death counseling, provides for care to illegal aliens and other government mandates are contrary to the notion of individual liberty and freedom of conscience, as well as right to life, and therefore contrary to Christian morality. And then there is the potential for massive and excessive taxation to fund the program, the details of which are still not even clear. 

"That leaders of "mainline" denominations would travel to Washignton D.C. and meet with Obama in person to praise his actions of inflicting this travesty on us is extremely disturbing to me. I think it says a lot about their character. It also is very telling who did not attend this meeting. I don't think any Anglo-Catholic or Roman Catholic leaders went, and I certainly can't see them praising him on these issues," Father X, an Anglo-Catholic priest said, speaking anonymously.

The delegation included Bishop Johncy Itty of Church World Service, Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Bishop John R. Bryant of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Rev. Sharon Watkins of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Stanley J. Noffsinger of the Church of the Brethren, Archbishop Khajag S. Barsamian of the Armenian Church of America, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori of The Episcopal Church, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Church of America, Rev. Gradye Parsons of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller of the Moravian Church, Thomas Swain of the Religious Society of Friends, Rev. Wesley S. Granberg-Michaelson of the Reformed Church in America, Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader of the United Methodist Church, Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthodox Church in America, Rev. Geoffrey Black of the United Church of Christ, and Dr. Walter L. Parrish III of the  Progressive National Baptist Convention. 

Obama Administration Threatens Independence of Catholic Colleges

via the Cardinal Newman Society



November 2, 2010
Manassas, Va. -- In its latest threat to the religious liberty and independence of Catholic colleges and universities, the Obama administration has issued new regulations that open the door to possible state intrusion into curriculum, student policies and hiring decisions.


The regulations issued Friday effectively force many states to increase oversight of postsecondary education through state chartering or licensing, which is a necessary condition for colleges to participate in federal student aid programs.


Most Catholic colleges accept low-cost federal student loans and grants. If forced to forego federal aid, these colleges would be at a disadvantage in recruiting students.


"The door is opened for state politicians and bureaucrats who would impose their social agendas on private and religious colleges," warned Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society.


"Already the Obama administration has seized direct ownership of student loans, and now a college's eligibility for student loans is subject to the political whims of its state legislators and regulators. Many states have demonstrated callous disregard for the religious identity of Catholic colleges, from mandating contraceptive coverage in student and employee health plans to requiring employee benefits for same-sex couples."


Although the Higher Education Act has long required state authorization for a college to participate in federal aid programs, many states do not aggressively monitor colleges and their consent was assumed unless otherwise reported to the U.S. Education Department. The new regulations require state approval of colleges "by name" and a state process "to review and appropriately act on" complaints about any approved institution.


When issuing the regulations Friday, the Education Department acknowledged that it had received complaints from college leaders that "a State's role may extend into defining, for example, curriculum, teaching methods, subject matter content, faculty qualifications, and learning outcomes." Others feared that states might "impose homogeneity upon institutions that would compromise their unique missions."


In response, federal officials agreed that the new regulations do "not limit a State's oversight of institutions."


Last year, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that Belmont Abbey College, a Catholic institution in North Carolina, must cover birth control in its employee health insurance plan despite the college's religious objections. An appeal to the EEOC is under review.


Catholic colleges and students may also not be protected from similar mandates for abortion and contraceptive insurance coverage under the recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act—i.e., President Obama's health care overhaul.


After the EEOC ruling against Belmont Abbey College, The Cardinal Newman Society launched its project to defend the religious liberty of Catholic colleges through its division, The Center for the Advancement of Catholic Higher Education. The Center published three papers—from experts in lawhealth insurance and ethics—to help Catholic colleges defend against government mandates for employee health benefits that violate Catholic morality.


Later this month, the Center will release a new legal analysis prepared by a prominent legal interest organization on steps Catholic colleges must take to defend themselves against increasing threats to their Catholic identity.

The press release is also available online here.

Monday, November 1, 2010

ACNS to be at the G20 Summit

by Staff

Representatives of the Anglo-Catholic News Service will be at the G20 economic summit in Seoul next week. The summit gathers economics leaders from twenty nations to discuss global financial matters. Christian leaders hope that the summit will be guided by principles of the faith. ACNS will be present to report on how the summit impacts the Christian world.

Check back next week for reports from the summit and from special events surrounding the summit.

Anglican Catholics and the pro-life movement

by Staff

Deborah Gyapong, Canadian journalist for religious newspapers, spoke at the International Pro-Life Movement this past weekend as part of the media panel. Her presentation centered on how to get good coverage for the pro-life movement and get away from some of the negative stereotypes currently being experienced. Read the complete story at the link below.

Anglican Catholics and the pro-life movement

SPECIAL REPORT: Pope Benedict and the Crisis over Sexual Abuse

by Staff

As recent news events have shown, the sexual abuse crisis is not unique to the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, this has not lightened the fury of attacks against Pope Benedict and the Vatican. A recent report on CNN entitled "What the Pope Knew" was filled with stories of sexual abuse in the church which were then alleged to be linked to Pope Benedict. This agenda-driven, one-sided, and generally biased program appears linked to the agenda of Jeffrey Anderson, the lawyer who wishes to lay the groundwork for a legal case against the Vatican.

What is most shocking is CNN's lack of interest in making a real contribution to solving abuse issues. Instead they seem more interested in ratings gained by attacking the church. This seems to be the agenda of the mass media these days in general. Instead of presenting the facts in a fair and unbiased manner, they add spin to promote agendas. In doing so, though, they miss many opportunities to make a truly positive impact on the world.

Read more here on Our Sunday Visitor.

Ancestor of Priest Helps to Liberate Concentration Camp in World War II

by Staff

THE WARNING OF THE NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS IS CLEAR:
Christians around the world must uphold the faith and oppose all that is against the freedom of mankind.
- Abp. Johnson

John Loyd, the grandfather of one of the priests of the Archdiocese of the Southwest, served in the Army of the United States in World War II. He served in the European theatre. One of his greatest and most significant acts of service, though, benefited humanity as a whole. He was involved in the liberation of a Nazi Concentration Camp.

Brief History of the CampsThe Dachau camp was the first regular camp of its type established by the Nazis, and it housed not only Jews, but political prisoners opposed to Hitler's government (sources generally state that two-thirds were political prisoners, and one-third were Jews). Its format provided the blueprint for later camps. Auschwitz and other notorious camps were part of the regime's actions against decent human behavior.



Some Dachau Statistics as an ExampleAccording to That Was Dachau 1933 - 1945, by Stanislav Zámecník, more than 25,000 prisoners were believed to have died in the camp. A particularly important point to note for Christians is that the camp had a special "Priest Block" for the clergy. At least three thousand priests were held there, and more than a third did not survive. The camp stands as a bleak symbol of religious persecution.

John Loyd, discharged in 1945, was part of the liberating force of humanity in the 20th century. The men who freed the death camps did a service to the people of the world and to freedom. John Loyd's great grandson inherited this legacy. The defense of freedom of all mankind is a key mission of the Archdiocese. All the Christian faithful are called to this mission.

Pope Benedict XVI Makes Historic Visit to the United Kingdom

by Staff

19 September 2010

Pope Benedict XVI & Archbishop Williams

Pope Benedict XVI made an historic visit the to United Kingdom this weekend, visiting with Archbishop Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, and his wife at Lambeth Palace, addressing Parliament, and visiting with Queen Elizabeth II. The trip was in part to support relations between the Roman and Anglican Rites, as well as to beatify the great English theologian, Cardinal Newman. Newman was, if not the first, then the most famous of modern Anglo-Catholics. He serves as an inspiration to both Anglicans and Roman Catholics, and his beatification should increase that inspiration.
Writing in Church Forum., Newman and Escriva., Fr. Arroyo Martinez, PhD., University of the Holy Cross, Rome., edited from the larger work Rt.Rev. Keith P. Steinhurst, highlights Fr. Martinez's illustration of 'constant formation' and 'freedom of conscience' while living in the 'example of the first Christians' wherein the teachings of H.Em. Cardinal Newman and St. Josemaria resonate.

Blessed Cardinal Newman

Tracing a link between St .Josemaria Escriva and Cardinal John Henry Newman might seem forced, the comparison between these two monumental figures in the life of the Church, one in the nineteenth century and the other in the twentieth, could appear slender. Still, their social, cultural and historical backgrounds and contexts while different, +Newman being an Anglican convert to Catholicism, an essayist, and apologist while +Escriva a Spaniard and founder of an institution within the Church, nonetheless, they exhibit a spiritual harmony that parallels their pastoral interests. Both +Newman and +Escriva described the role of the laity within the Church and both suffered for preaching this role, that the Church, as recipient of the deposit of divine revelation, cannot do without the lay faithful, as without them, she would lose a valuable source of faith, the result being a diminution of the genuine nature of the Church, reducing her solely to the ordained ministers and the hierarchy.

St Josemaria +Escriva long maintained that the laity are called to the fullness of Christian life and to sanctity through work. He insisted that lay people are not second-class Christians, but have a specific divine call of their own inclusive of the vocation to marriage, and as such a specific way of following and doing Gods will in the Church and throughout the world. What +Newman would term the sense of faith, +Escriva called, perhaps colloquially, the Catholic nose of the People of God.
(1) Constant formation: Both +Newman and +Escriva saw clearly that the simple fact of being laity in the Church does not make people into spokesmen of the Holy Spirit. They need deep Christian study and formation and an ongoing effort to live in accordance with their faith. +Newman dedicated his intellectual and pastoral efforts to this aim stating famously that "I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men [and women] who know their religion, who enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold and what they do not, who know their creed so well that they can give an account of it, who know so much of history that they can defend it. I want an intelligent, well-instructed laity. I wish [them] to enlarge [their] knowledge, to cultivate [their] reason, to get an insight into the relation of truth to truth, to learn to view things as they are, to understand how faith and reason stand to each other, what are the bases and principles of Catholicism" (Sermon 9, Duties of Catholics towards the Protestant View, 1851)." +Escriva sought to remind everyone of the universal call to holiness, and make it accessible. The Work he founded not only tries to remind people that they should be saints in their ordinary lives, but to show them how, offering the help they need in order to achieve it. He himself defined the Opus Dei as an immense work of catechesis, because it offers specific formation, especially shaped to enable people to develop what he termed unity of life living in accord with their faith at each moment of the day.

(2) Example of the first Christians: Both +Newman and +Escriva knew that what they were proposing was really nothing new it is as old and as novel as the Gospel, said +Escriva. Both took the lives of the early Christians as their source of inspiration, since, as +Newman said, Christians need to look to them to recover the fullness of the faith. Both stressed the need to achieve a deep unity between faith and reason, on the basis of scientific study in the fields of both sacred and profane learning. Thus, for example, +Escriva required all Opus Dei priests to be experts in some field of academic study all of them have University degrees, and many of them have doctorates. At the same time, he wanted Opus Dei lay-people to study theology and related subjects, to doctorate level when appropriate. +Newman said, "I want the intellectual layman to be religious, and the devout ecclesiastic to be intellectual (Sermon 1, Intellect the Instrument of Religious Training, preached in the University Church, Dublin, feast of St. Monica, Sunday after Ascension, 1856)."
(3) Freedom of consciences: Both +Newman and +Escriva had a deep love for the truth, and refused to elevate conscience to an autonomous principle of morality. While both insisted on the need to form ones conscience, in moral and doctrinal questions, under the guidance of the Churchs Magisterium, both also proclaimed what we could term a freedom of consciences in temporal matters. +Escriva preached tirelessly about the laitys freedom and autonomy in political and social questions, explaining that there should be no ecclesiastical interference or pressure on them in such matters. The laity should, however, strive to be consistent with their faith and faithful to their consciences. They should never allow themselves, he maintained, to separate any of their actions from the dictates of their consciences, but should shoulder full moral responsibility for all that they do. +Newman, in turn, spoke and wrote in depth about the value of conscience as the place of our encounter with God, the deepest truth of mans being, and what drives all moral action.

Though many more aspects of the parallel in teaching of both men could be highlighted, such as the need to combine devotion and doctrine; the need for theologians to do their work prudently and responsibly, in full union with the Church; and a deep understanding of the Church as Mystery and sacrament, which, together with a human element, leads to communion with the divine; The three precepts described above justify the harmony of Catholic thought exhibited between His Eminence John Henry +Cardinal Newman and Saint Josemaria +Escriva.

Meeting between Religious Leaders on Ethics and Morality in the Asian Economy

by Staff

March 2010

Archbishop Johnson recently met with Bishop You, of the Roman Communion, on matters of faith and morality and their relationship to the modern Asian economy, who was to meet the following day with the Korean Prime Minister to discuss the same topic. The conclusion of the lengthy meeting was that the modern marketplace must be built on a foundation of faith-based ethical behavior. Without this foundation, the economy is likely to suffer from problems such as the current economic crisis. Both bishops noticed a marked decline in the overall morality of society and agreed that work to improve this situation must continue.

New Presentation of Religious Award to Boy Scout

by Staff

January 2010



A Boy Scout receives the Imperial Distinguished
Scout award while a member of the Regional committee looks on.
 A Boy Scout received the Imperial Distinguished Scout of the Holy Roman Empire award during his troop meeting in late January while other recipients of the award were present. The recipient qualified for the Catholic religious emblem in Scouting, and then completed the additional requirements for the Holy Roman Empire award. The award is managed in part by the Archdiocese of the Southwest as part of its outreach ministry.



Archdiocese Represented at International Education Conference

by Staff

January 2010

The Metropolitan with former
South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hyun-Jae

Several members of the Archdiocese were present at an international educational conference dealing with higher education issues and opportunities between China and Korea. In attendance at this conference were leaders of the top universities of both nations, and well as government leaders, including a former Korean Prime Minister and the current Chinese Ambassador. Through education, international differences can be resolved, barriers can be broken, and the elusive dream of peace can come one step closer to being reality. This conference, at which the Archdiocese was privileged to be represented as part of its own efforts for peace and freedom around the world, is an important part of that effort.


Economics Policy Paper Presented at American Economics Association

by Staff

January 2010


The current period of economic crisis has left many seeking answers to difficult questions. Christian economists turn to faith to explain what is happening and to find a possible solution. Archbishop Johnson presented a paper entitled "A Theological and Mathematical Model of the Loss of Religious Values Following "Excessive Affluence" and Its Potential Contribution to an Economic Crisis" at a session during the 2010 national meeting of the American Economics Association and ASSA. (Click here to read a pdf of the paper.) As part of the ADSW's continuing mission to aid the people of the world, this paper was written to provide insight into the current situation and suggest implications for economic policy. The key point of the paper is that theology teaches us that what is generally considered sound economic policy might, in a period of spiritual and moral decline, simply fuel the problem and lead to an economic crisis or make an existing crisis worse.
During the Conference, Archbishop Johnson led one of the Daily Offices at the Cathedral of Saint Philip

Religious Emblems Presented to Boy Scouts

by Staff

January 2010

Two Boy Scouts and one adult Scout leader were presented with the Imperial Distinguished Scout of the Holy Roman Empire award. This is a religious award that Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, both in the USA and around the world, can earn. Adult leaders may also qualify. The award is given not just to Anglo-Catholics, but to those of all Christian faiths. The applicant must qualify for the religious emblem given by their denomination first. Further requirements involve community or church service, academic excellence, scouting leadership, and historical research. Recipients should show how the history of the faith can be applied and made relevant today.

Members of the Metropolitan See remain active with Boy Scouts. This is an important ministry of the Church. The Boy Scouts, for more than a century, have helped boys grow into men and become productive members of society. Many have pointed to Boy Scouts as the most influential organization in their lives; an organization that helped them to be successful.

More importantly, Boy Scouts helps to preserve our Christian heritage. In an age of our faith being under attack on many fronts, Boy Scouts stands firm. The Imperial Distinguished Scout award exists to recognize not just the individuals who remain firm in their faith and exhibit Christian service to others, but also the organization that they are a part of.

For more information on youth or adults earning this award, please contact the Metropolitan Curia at metropolitan@southwestdiocese.org.

Sacrament of Confirmation Given in Texas

by Staff

The Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion were given to youth at the Oratory of Saint Thomas a Becket in Texas recently. The Apostolic Prefect presided over the ceremony. This is the fourth confirmation rite in the past year, representing the Metropolitan See's continued committment to growth and the spiritual developement of the faithful under the care of the Traditional Old Anglo-Catholic Church. We pray that all new confirmands will grow in their catholic faith throughout the course of their lives.

Archdiocese Participates in the Ringing of the Bell of Peace at the Demilitarized Zone in Korea

by Staff

June 2009

In June 2009, members of the Archdiocese rang the Bell of Peace at the Demilitarized Zone (South Korean side) at its hourly ringing. The bell is rung during main daytime hours, seven times every hour on the hour. The bell stands as a symbol for peace in the Korean peninsula, in Asia, and in the world.

Members of the Archdiocese ring the peace bell in the DMZ

The Peace Bell
Freedom Bridge in the DMZ, where prisoner
exchanges were made

Presentation on Faith and Economics at the 2009 Trans-Sea and East Asia Finance and Economics Conference - Suzhou University, Suzhou, China

by Staff

May 2009

Archbishop Johnson was invited to present a paper on his work dealing with the interrelation between religion and economics at the Trans-Sea and East Asia Finance and Economics Conference in Suzhou, China. The conference was hosted by and held at Suzhou University. The modern flavor, global feel, and economic well-being of Suzhou made the location ideal for this conference, the primary topic of which was the current global economic crisis. Many scholars from China, Taiwan, and Korea attended to discuss their views and present their research that might give insight into the economic crisis and how to solve the problem. Dr. Johnson was the only representative of the United States (or any western country).

 
+Johnson's presentation, which was of research still underway, began with a treatment of the potential psychological effects that religion and turning away from religion might have on consumer behavior. Included in this was the approximate doubling of wealth in the United States in the past 50 years, but also a marked decline in church attendance. The presentation further included Christian theology dealing with wealth and its potential to do both good and evil.


It was suggested that there is a theoretical amount of wealth inherent to each individual past which that individual will behave financially and socially irresponsibly. For any given individual, this amount might be so high, that it can effectively never be reached. If a sufficiently large portion of a population reaches this level inherent to them and goes from responsible to irresponsible, it is possible that this can contribute to economic problems on a wide-reaching scale.

Pilgrimage to Rome

by Staff

5-13 November 2008

A Pilgrimage to Rome to pay homage to the seat of Christendom and work on continued Anglo-Roman unity was led by the Bishop of the Southwest. The delegation consisted of the bishop and three others. Meetings were held on a variety of topics with various church and Italian officials, ranged from a variety of topics from Church doctrine to sacred archaeology, and were most productive.

At the office of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre


Meetings included an audience with H.Em. Cardinal Rylko, a visit with a prelate to discuss Christian archaeological history at the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology on behalf of H.E. Archbishop Ravasi, who was occupied with a meeting for Christian-Muslim peace, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, an historical discussion over coffee at the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and more. Part of the delegation was also able to spend time in prayer with the deceased Holy Fathers buried beneath St. Peter's Basilica.
Bishop Johnson discusses church history with a
lay Vatican official in the Basilica of St. Peter

Bishop Johnson also traveled to Florence to attend a mass in celebration of the anniversary of the dedication of the famed Duomo di Firenze. The Cathedral boasts the Brunelleschi dome and was built and decorated by some of the greatest artists of the early Renaissance. The Bishop met with one of the Chaplains of the Duomo for a discussion and exchange of blessings.

Members of the delegation with pilgrims
in Saint Peter's Square

Throughout all meetings, the delegation was most warmly and respectfully received. All combined, it is hoped that this brief set of encounters will contribute to eventual complete Anglo-Roman union.

Members of the delegation relax at a performance
of opera music at the Teatro Argentino in Rome
Bishop Johnson meets with the President of the
Savoy Royal Guard


Bishop Visits Diocese of Daejeon

by Staff

October 2008

The Bishop of the Southwest visited the Cathedral of St. Benedict in Daejeon, South Korea, and was most warmly received by the Bishop of Daejeon and the Dean of the Cathedral. The cathedral parish maintains the high standards of Anglican-tradition choirs. Blessings were later exchanged between the two bishops, as well as mutual offers of support.