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.

Lent with Joseph O'Hanlon, Nottingham Priest

Written by: Alex Walker
Lent

Joseph is a native of Cavan, a retired priest of Nottingham Diocese and a member of ACTA from its
inception. He studied at Maynooth, Nottingham University and the Biblicum in Rome. He was
Director of the International Franciscan Study Centre in Canterbury and taught at Allen Hall in
London as well as Upholland and Oscott. His books include The Jesus Who Was, The Jesus Who Is,
The Dance of the Merrymaker, Mark My Word, Beginning the Bible and Walk One Hour. He has
contributed to many journals and periodicals. Joseph has a lifetime experience of teaching the Bible
and an infectious passion for communicating scholarship to adult Christians. We are very grateful to
him for sharing some reflections with us in the season of Lent and beyond, which will appear on this
web site. You are free to use them as you see fit.