From G M Gibbens SIR – For most past converts to the Catholic Church, their conversion has been an individual process entailing a slow journey impelled by grace, leading the soul, perhaps unwillingly, to forsake old certainties and to embark upon a lonely journey to the Catholic truth.
As Newman wrote on May 3 1876 to an unknown correspondent: “I don’t see that you are at liberty to join the Catholic Church merely because you cannot subscribe to the Anglican formularies. In order to be at liberty to do so, you must believe the Catholic Church to be the oracle of God in matters of faith and morals, the Ark of Salvation and the Bride of Christ. But if, after careful thought and earnest prayer and patient waiting for God’s grace, you do so believe, only one path is open to you, yet God can make up to you all suffering a hundred fold and give you abundant strength.” The sudden and mass conversion of parties of present Anglicans should surely be contemplated with caution.
Yours faithfully, G M GIBBENS London SW20