letters to the editor
Nave altars Two other stamps, each featuring a are defined as Catholic; and a narrow
From Fr Alan Cooke ssc different painting of the Madonna and stylistic sense, associated with the term
Peter Mullen’s ‘rant’ against nave altars Child, complete this Christmas issue. ‘Anglo-Catholic’ with a High Church
in the November issue calls for an equally Sadly, these most Christian celebrations vocabulary and a ritual tradition. The
robust response. of the birth of Christ are not available current tendency for the latter sense to
He describes nave altars as ‘a fairly in books, are not widely advertised, and swallow up the former and turn FiF into
recent desecration’. On the contrary, are not normally available except at Post an Anglo-Catholic club is surely not in
they were in use in the late Middle Ages Offices. Royal Mail says that they ‘expect the spirit of its foundation.
in monastic churches which had a choir the Angels to be more popular’. Given The traditions of churchmanship are
altar for the monks and an altar in front these odd marketing decisions, this is equally Anglican, and in the sense that
of the screen for the people. hardly surprising. matters equally Catholic, and no good
Despite the heroic efforts of the late Christians should now do three things. purpose is served by viewing with dis-
Mgr Klaus Gamber to prove the con- Commend Royal Mail for having stamps approval those with a different church
trary, I cannot believe that the basilicas with a religious theme this year. Ask for upbringing. We, of all people, affected as
still in existence at Rome, Ravenna and the ‘Madonna’ stamps when buying their we are by another kind of take-over bid,
elsewhere were all designed for what we Christmas stamps as these are even more should take seriously the claim to be for
would now call ‘eastward facing’ liturgy, appropriate to the season than angels. those who hold to the historic faith.
with the celebrant’s back to the people. Ask Royal Mail to ensure that in future Juliet Hole
Dr Mullen is a big fan of the Book years at least one first class and one 4 The Leasowes, Bayton,
of Common Prayer, which in its latest second class Christmas stamp celebrates Kidderminster DY14 9NA
authorized edition (1662) requires that the true meaning of Christmas. (Surely
the priest shall be ‘standing before the Christians will not object to having sec- Virtue of modest dress
Table…that he may…break the Bread ular stamps available equally alongside From Mrs Mary Hopson
before the people.’ I would be interested religious ones.) I write in praise of the Revd John Rich-
to know how many instances of east- David Chapman ardson’s article [ND October] ‘Disap-
ward celebration Dr Mullen knows of in <nomadyane@btinternet.com> pearing fathers’, but I would also like to
the Church of England between, say, the applaud you for drawing attention to the
Elizabethan Settlement and the Oxford No need for prayer writer’s use of that grossly under-used
Movement. From Mr A.J. Lowe word these days ‘modesty’. You highlight:
Out of use, the Lord’s Table did indeed Owen Higg’s reference [ND October, ‘What is needed, bluntly, is a return to
usually stand under the east window. In p. 31] to praying for a parking space modesty, to lower the emotional pressure
use, it was brought down into the chan- reminded of this story of a friend. on young people.’
cel, where its ends stood east and west, He was driving round and round the Looking up the word ‘modesty’ in the
the priest standing at the north side and block looking for parking space so that dictionary, I was led to the words ‘self-
the people surrounding the Table in the he could attend an important meeting. respect’ and ‘dignity’. A return to one of
choir stalls. After several rounds, he glances up to these things, not only by the young, but
I don’t deny that there may be some heaven and says, ‘Lord, have pity on me! also by older folk, would bring about a
need to ‘reform the reform’, but it won’t If you find me a space I promise I’ll go to return to all.
come about through a headlong retreat Mass every Sunday, and give up whisky There are many means by which these
into some imaginary golden past, whether – for a bit.’ Five seconds later, rounding things could be restored, but none more
of the fifth century or the fifteenth. a corner… there’s a parking spot. So he important or, given the will, easier of
Alan Cooke glances up to heaven again and says, ‘You achievement, than dress: decent, dig-
The Vicarage, Milne Street, needn’t bother now, Lord. I’ve found one nified, attractive, varied (except where
Chadderton, Oldham OL9 0HR by myself.’ school uniform is concerned), comple-
A.J. Lowe mentarity of the sexes and sense of occa-
Christmas Stamps 145 Outlook Crescent, Bardon, sion affirming dress.
From the Manager of St Paul’s Bookshop Queensland, Australia 4065 Mr Richardson does well to speak of
Congratulations are due to the Royal the need for example. In the matter of
Mail for actually celebrating Christmas Generous Catholics dress (as well as in other ways), let us
this year with six stamps featuring four From Miss Juliet Hole older folk be sure we set one!
heavenly angels, in the Italian renaissance Mr Hawkins [ND September] strikes a Mary Hopson
style, depicting Peace, Joy, Goodwill and cynical note in his attitude to the Evan- Tregate Castle, Monmouth NP25 5QL
Glory. gelical membership of Forward in Faith.
These stamps also commemorate ‘Unholy alliance’ is not at all a good
the tercentenary of the birth of Charles choice of phrase when referring to co-
Letters for publication should be sent to:
Wesley who wrote the popular Christmas religionists.
The Editor
carol, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. These This raises, opportunely, the ques-
New Directions
angels come in flocks (books) and are tion of what it means to be ‘Catholic’.
2A The Cloisters, Gordon Square
widely advertised to those who, not being There is the broad and essential sense
London WC1H 0AG
Post Offices, sell stamps to the public. of the Creeds, by which all Anglicans nd.editor@forwardinfaith.com
December 2007
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newdirections
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