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.

Year of Mercy with Bishop Christopher Budd

Written by: Alex Walker
Bishop Budd

a personal reflection by Bishop Emeritus Christopher Budd in Newton Abbot

Around 40 people attended an event organised by the local ACTA group on 16th July. We heard Bishop Christopher encourage us make space in our lives for some contemplation about God and His loving mercy, recognising that judgmentalism can be a common fault in all our lives. He spoke about the delight and joy which God has in us, and how we can reflect this, hopefully, in our own daily lives, in how we feel about ourselves and relate to other people.

Bishop Christopher then highlighted some of the key points about the Year of Mercy which Pope Francis has written and spoken about, the concept of the “holy door”, pilgrimage and sacrament of reconciliation which all provide opportunities for renewal/new start in our lives. He also spoke of the importance of being open to the needs of the poor.

He concluded by emphasising that the Jubilee Year of Mercy would end on the Feast of Christ the King, but that we all need to carry forward the clear messages it has brought into the rest of our lives, or as he memorably said, “all our tomorrows”. The burst of applause and chatter which followed were clear demonstrations of how helpful and stimulating the address had been, and after some thoughtful questions from “the floor” the afternoon concluded with a short and effective prayer service which organisers had prepared. Many thanks to all involved.

Peter Farrell, ACTA Co-ordinator in the Plymouth Diocese Area (e mail:petane@o2.co.uk)