Church of England branded ‘fascist’ and ‘vindictive’

LONDON - An Anglican bishop slammed his Church, branding it ‘vicious’ and ‘fascist’, while explaining his decision to defect to the Roman Catholic Church.

The Rt Rev John Broadhurst, the Bishop of Fulham, accused the Church of England of breaking promises to make provisions for opponents of women’s ordination.

He warned that the Pope’s invitation to disaffected Anglicans to join the Catholic Church would appeal to traditionalists dismayed at their treatment.

Bishop Broadhurst, who announced his decision to resign on Friday, predicted that many more would leave the Church of England in the months ahead.

“I think the Ordinariate will cause a huge shock. A lot of people have said it won’t happen and have underestimated the impact that it will have. don’t feel I have any choice but to leave the Church and take up the Pope’s offer,” the Telegraph quoted Broadhurst as saying.

“The General Synod has become vindictive and vicious. It has been fascist in its behaviour, marginalising those who have been opposed to women’s ordination. We have not been given any space,” he added.

The bishop, who was one of three prelates at a secret Vatican summit earlier this year, said he was disappointed to be leaving the Church of England, but that the concerns of traditionalists had been ignored.

“The Pope generously made an offer providing a home for our Catholic heritage at the same time as the Church of England made it clear that it does not want us,” he concluded.

However, many local residents who go to Anglican churches in Folkestone, criticised the proposed move to Rome, mainly because they disagreed with the church’s opposition to women priests and bishops. (ANI)