Christmas Message from the Chair

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 Alex Walker; Published: 23 December 2016

Dear all,

Wishing you all deep joy and peace, and plenty of more shallow celebrations!

I also want to say a huge thank you for all your support and friendship during this past year: I feel a little more apprehensive about next year, but that's because I know more now about how much of a contribution ACTA can make to the church - and more about how much I need to be 'on the ball'. It has become clearer to me as the year has passed that there are areas where I am not too strong, but I want to thank each of you for your patience and wonderful 'prompts'. Maybe the church could learn from you as a group about keeping the vision in mind whilst the body is stumbling along!

My present to you is a couple of 5 minutes watching.two:

I found the first one a wonderful 5-6 minute meditation - the images are very helpful, including Bethlehem and surrounding hills;, (listed after the carol has finished)