An Easter Resurgence
Certainly in terms of enthusiasm this Eastertide 2010, has been a wonderful one for ECC UK; much has happened and it has the feel of a new beginning.
Firstly, though, we wish to pay tribute to our brother and dear friend Bishop Roger Whatley who is currently recovering from illness and has asked to be allowed to lay down the burdens of responsibility. Bishop Terry has reluctantly accepted this and relieved +Roger of the duties of Vicar General and granted him the title “Bishop Emeritus” so that he can enjoy whatever level of involvement with the life of the Church that suits him. We all wish him, and the wonderfully supportive Sheila, “Ad multos annos!” to enjoy their retirement.
A number of the laity and the clergy of the Church gathered over the weekend after Easter to celebrate the ordination to the Diaconate of the Revv Nick Young and Tom Armstrong. This was a very joyous occasion and, combined with the Mass of Chrism and the renewal of priestly commitment became a very solemn but joyous moment of unity. Nick will continue his outreach in Liverpool with the emerging parish of St Gabriel, and Tom will serve with the Parish of Holy Angels in Portsmouth whilst working to establish a further outreach in Gosport.
We grow, slowly but surely, as part of the Lord’s vine, pruned and trained by him to yield fruit, fruit that will last (John 15: 16).
At the plenary meeting Bishop Terry announced two appointments; The Very Reverend Paul Miles-Knight is to be Vicar General. His role is to be two-fold, firstly to act as an advocate for his brethren. Should any have reason to dispute with the bishop he shall stand with them to ensure fairness and justice. Secondly, should the Bishop Ordinary become permanently incapacitated from exercising that office, through death, ill-health or administrative reason, it will be the Vicar General who contacts the Chancellor of the UECC and sets in play and oversees the process for electing and, if necessary, consecrating a successor as ordinary.
The second appointment was Fr Brizz Miles-Knight who takes over as treasurer.
These appointments were accepted by all present at the AGM required by the constitution of ECC UK and recorded officially.
World Aids Day Serivce at Holy Angels Portsmouth
Fr Paul and Fr Brizz held a service for World Aids Day, courtesy of the John Pounds Memorial Church Portsmouth, on Tuesday 1st December 2009.
After expecting about 25 people to turn up, well over 60 came to reflect and pray on the effects AIDS has had in their lives or in the lives of someone they love.
It was clear from talking to people afterwards that hearts had been touched and sore wounds dressed 
and in some cases healed. Reflecting on the evening Brizz and Paul both felt how wonderful it was that they were able to reach out to so many people.
It was with great joy that we learnt of the ordination to Priesthood of Morag Liebert. She is the first woman to be ordained in the UK for the international initiative "Roman Catholic Women Priests." Further details of her historic ordination can be read here. An e-mail of support from our Archbishop was received with thanks
Dear Terry,
Very many thanks to you and all the members of the United Ecumenical Catholic Church for your very sincere and encouraging message, and also for your prayers and blessings. I appreciate your good will and kind thoughtfulness enormously.
Best wishes to everyone,
Morag. (Morag Liebert, RCWP).