Archbishop calls off Methodist ordinations

[Skeptic92]

The controversial proposed ordination of Methodist ministers in Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral in July has been called off.
On the advice of the Vatican Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool has withdrawn the invitation he gave to the Methodist church last year.
In a statement last week the archbishop said he had always recognised that “the occasion would be a symbol”.

Given “the iconic reality of the Metropolitan Cathedral far beyond Merseyside it would be watched, interpreted, scrutinised quite properly by many. And symbols are dangerous things; they can explode,” he said.

“Every pattern of ordination known to me is at the service of communion and an occasion for profound renewal of the most personal, hidden demands of discipleship. Spotlights, controversy, fear of misinterpretation undermine the prayer and discipleship into which the Spirit would lead us,” Archbishop Kelly said

catholicherald.co.uk/news/2011/05/25/archbishop-calls-off-methodist-ordinations/

 

[Dale_M]

This calls to mind a similar situation last year, in which the consecration of an Episcopal bishop was scheduled to take place in a local Catholic church. News of the situation, spread by bloggers, convinced many Catholics to ask the archbishop of Anchorage to re-consider allowing this consecration to take place. And, after a few months of pressure, he did.
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=6949291

One difference is that, as far as I know, the Vatican did not get involved in the Anchorage situation. Another difference is that the Archbishop of Liverpool has publicly expressed unhappiness about this decision, making clear that it was not his own. Regardless, it may still be a good idea if Catholics drop Archbishop Kelly an email thanking him for his decision. I suspect he might appreciate a show of support, even if and encouragement. His email is listed on the following webpage:

liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/index.php?p=29