Sermon at the Ordination of Deacon Calvin Robinson to the Priesthood – November 4th 2023

FINDING A WAY TO SUSTAIN THE UNIQUE CHRISTIAN FAITH

The main Christian denominations are facing incredible pressures from the political world in which they have played an important role for many centuries. Many of their members have lost confidence in the leaders and the man made solutions and compromises they offer in these difficult times. We hope to be able to help those who are unsupported all over the world in a developing family of orthodox believers who feel they are living now a “remnant”.

We participate in a fellowship supported by the bishops of the Nordic Catholic Church in Europe and the Polish National Catholic Church in North America. Both of these Churches are part of the original Old Catholic Church, rooted in the scriptures and the apostolic faith and order of the first millennium. Our life and liturgy reflects our roots in nearly two thousand years of British Christianity. (See material in Documents under "Resources" above.)

For the past six years we have had meetings with many other Christians from across the world, from other traditions and cultures to find a foundation for the future that enables us to work with and support each other in an age hostile to our faith, and much of our history. This is bearing fruit as can be seen in the Mainz report of the most recent gathering in February 2023. (See material in Documents under "Resouces" above.)

Although in the UK we are mainly former members of the Church of England and proud of our heritage, our present witness seeks to bring the Gospel to our present predicament and future generations. Most important is our desire to offer friendship with experience and protection to any small groups who feel isolated and wish to pray study and share a similar way of life. We do not have all the answers or even a precise blueprint for the way ahead, but we are willing to be imaginative, to use the resources available and respond to the Holy Spirit in defense of our unique heritage as Christ’s body.

For further information please contact our Vicar General, Fr. Geoffrey Neal by email at gmneal06@gmail.com.

Bishop Roald Nikolai Flemestad remains Bishop Delegate of the Union of Scranton in Europe also after the transfer of the Nordic Catholic Diocese of Scandinavia and the German Administration to his successor Bishop Ottar Mikael Myrseth. He will then continue to give episcopal oversight to the work and mission of the Nordic Catholic Church in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain.

The Bishop's Seal and Motto

Per timorem Domini et
sancti Spiritus consolationem.

The Bishop's Calendar

28 October

Annual Autumn Conference of the NCC at Gran, Norway.

2-5 November

Ordination to the Priesthood in the NCC UK, London.

1-4 February 2024

Theological conference in Mainz, Germany.

Upcoming

Meetings with the administrations in France, Spain and the UK during 1st half 2024.

Currently scheduled meetings and events:

27-29 October

Annual Autumn Conference of the NCC at Gran, Norway.

1-4 February 2024

Theological Conference in Mainz, Germany.