THE Catholic Renewal Movement (CRM). the 25-yearold organisation dedicated to progress in the Church "in the spirit of Vatican II", is considering changing its name.
CRM leaders are worried that the movement is being confused with evangelical and AngloCatholic groups which also use the word "renewal" in their titles but have entirely different aims.
"Because 'renewal' has become firmly linked with the charismatic movement we believe we need a new name." said CRM's joint chair, John Chaltenor. "Charismatics have attended study days, going away disappointed; and potential renewalists avoid us, fearing we are evangelicals."
The editor of CRM's quarterly newsletter, Hilary Fenten, said that many people had turned up to CRM study days expecting charismatic services. "They were greatly disappointed and it was sad for them," she said.
"Catholic Charismatic Renewal" is the title of an evangelical Catholic movement that may be causing confusion amongst potential members of CRM.
Many members believe CRM's 25th anniversary in 1993 would be an ideal opportunity for instituting a change of name. and a motion is to be brought forward at the movement's Annual General Meeting later this month authorising the executive to make a change "in the light of all opinions expressed."
Mr Challenor said he believed the word "renewal" in its name had served the organisation well, and would be given up with regret. "Our imminent anniversary offers an occasion to re-launch our movement with substantially the same policies and programmes but with an amended label, avoiding ambiguity," he said.
New names suggested so far include: the "Catholic Open Church Movement", the "Catholic Conciliar Movement", the "Catholic Radical Movement", and "Catholics for a Changing Church".
"I think the idea will be well received," said Ms Fenten. "We've only had one person opposed to the idea so far."
The Catholic Renewal Movement was set up in the wake of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae to try to promote and extend the reforms outlined by the Second Vatican Council.
Its estimated UK membership of 500 includes many priests as well as men who have left the priesthood to marry and Catholics who have divorced and remarried.