The Society of the Holy Cross (SSC)
Province of England & Scotland Registered Charity: 297891
The Society of the Holy Cross (Societas
Sanctae Crucis, SSC) was founded at the House of Charity, Soho, London on
February 28th 1855 by Fr Charles Lowder and five other priests of the Church of
England (CofE). Its membership is comprised of Bishops and Priests who desire
to bear witness to the Cross of Christ in their vocation and ministry within
the Church and their whole lives.
Its principal objectives are: to strengthen and consolidate the spiritual life
of its members according to Catholic belief and practice; to maintain and
extend the Catholic Faith and discipline, and to defend Truth against error;
and to unite its members in a special bond of mutual charity arising from their
common faith.
Members of the Society live under a Rule and attend chapters of which there are
a number throughout England & Scotland. SSC is also represented in Wales,
the Americas, Australasia, and other parts of the world. Links to web
sites/email for these provinces are given below.
For general enquiries about the Society in England & Scotland, please email
the Provincial Master for England & Scotland, Fr Kit Dunkley SSC, using the
link in the menu above.
Vatican statement concerning welcoming Anglicans into the Catholic Church
The Society of the Holy Cross has always had as one of its fundamental purposes to "further the Catholic Faith" and also to strive earnestly for reunion with the Holy See. It therefore welcomes warmly the recent statement by the Vatican and looks forward to receiving the full text of the Apostolic Constitution when it is finally issued by the Holy Father.
Even in outline form, the statement is a major step towards offering hope to those Anglicans who have become increasingly disillusioned with the current trends in Anglicanism and the steady move away from the central teaching of the catholic church. The Society of the Holy Cross lost many of its members in the fall-out following the decision by the Church of England in 1992 to proceed with the ordination of women to the priesthood. In the years following, the Society made a remarkable recovery and now exists as the largest society for priests in the Anglican Communion. Many of its members have been active in the Synodical process towards ordaining women as bishops, so that at least a breathing-space could be created for those who in all conscience cannot accept this doctrinal innovation.
The Vatican statement will be receiving urgent attention from the leadership of SSC, which also anticipates eagerly the full text of the Apostolic Constitution. It is too early for people to be making decisions one way or another and we must all allow ourselves a period of prayerful reflection. We must also in the future accept graciously whatever decisions individuals make according to their own circumstances and personal pressures. In the meantime, we urge all our Brethren to continue working tirelessly for the Kingdom of God and faithfully ministering to the people under their care. May the prayers of Mary, Mother of the Church, Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint John Vianney and Blessed John Henry Newman be with us all in this time of decision and change.
Kit Dunkley
Master
Society of the Holy Cross
Province of England & Scotland
