Gerry McFlynn

MISSION statement:

We are a group of Catholics, some of whom are ordained, brought together by our love of Christ's Church and our anxiety about its future. Still inspired by the Second Vatican Council, we want to contribute fully to the life of our Church so that we may be a more effective sign of the Kingdom of God. To do this, we believe that an atmosphere of openness and dialogue both with each other and with our church leadership needs developing. Accordingly, we aim to supply channels of free and frank communication. We desire to help create a climate of trust and respect for all where this dialogue may be fostered.

THEOLOGY statement:

ACTA is a movement built from below by clergy and laity alike in every diocese in England and Wales. It exists to give those people an effective voice. It is an instrument to establish and promote space for a trusting dialogue within a hierarchically structured people’s Church.

ACTA believes that the reforms of the Second Vatican Council are the only way forward for mission to modern society. It is not a small chapel of selected followers; it believes in the Church as a “big tent”, with open doors. As a free and representative association of believers, it seeks to liberate the expertise in the ranks, so as to bring added energy and witness to the Church in the world.

: Written by: Gerry McFlynn; Published: 21 May 2013

Born in N Ireland in 1947. Ordained for Down & Connor diocese in 1973.

Worked for 5 years in parish in Belfast, then as Chaplain of Pax Christi, UK, followed by Chaplaincy work at LSU College of Education, Southampton, Chaplain at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, and currently with the Irish Chaplaincy in Britain ( London). Also a member of the Irish Association of Irish Priests.