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.

Faith, Hope and Disappointment in the Lancaster Diocese

Written by: Alex Walker

Having recently watched SILENCE, the new film by Martin Scorsese, we see the Emperor outlaw Christianity from Japan and missionaries and Christians alike having to renounce their faith or die. In a similar way, after a recent memo in the Ad Clerum by the outgoing Bishop of Lancaster, we see the members of Lancaster ACTA outlawed from catholic church premises and as a result seeking hospitality in the Friends Meeting House, Lancaster. Professor Sullivan reminded us as we sat in this historic building that Quakers believed in the priesthood of all believers. Apposite that we should be welcomed therefore, in such a place.

The morning session was devoted to the topic Faith, Hope and Disappointment led by Prof. John Sullivan from Hope University and the afternoon session on Liturgical music for Lent and The Triduum led by Peter Cobb and friends. Around 45 people attended the day.

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