The Rev. Minchew, a father of four, spent at least 12 months pondering his decision together with its serious financial implications. The widower sacrificed a £11,500-a-year pension, which he could start drawing in less than 18 months, and will be forced to leave his vicarage home as a result.
But despite the financial cost, he insisted it was the right decision.
Good for you, Rev. Minchew. What’s more, the Anglican hierarchy under Rowan Williams doesn’t even care:
“The Anglican bishop, Bishop Christopher of Southwark, the Archdeacon of Croydon, the Diocese and secretary have been extremely supportive and encouraging,” he added.
Astonishing. You’d think that someone in Rowan Williams’ Church of England would care about large numbers of vicars and parishioners leaving the Anglican Church, but evidently not. They just happily send them on their way with a smile and a wave.
Parishioner Barry Barnes, who served for 15 years on the General Synod of the Church of England, also left the church after being part of the congregation with his wife for about 30 years.
“We saw where the church was going and decided we could no longer stay in the Church of England and it was about the same sort of time the Pope made the offer of the Ordinariate,” he said.
“My wife and I decided the Church of England was no longer where we wanted to be and we joined the Ordinariate for a number of reasons.
And who could blame you?
More on Rowan Williams’ failure:
