Anthony Cassidy CSsR studied theology at the University of Kent at Canterbury as part of his seminary training, in a non-denominational course with female and male students. After ordination, he studied Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, then taught for fourteen years at the Franciscan Study Centre, Canterbury.
We loved his gentle input last year at Hinsley Hall, Empowering Ourselves - Flourish & Thrive. This time Tony will explore the true meaning of Eucharist as it was established by Jesus and the early church. He will particularly emphasize Table Fellowship, what we mean by 'Do this in memory of me' and what being in the person of Christ - persona Christi - really means.
His input will lead us all towards a better understanding of a lived, inclusive and welcoming Eucharist.
STOLEN LIVES : BREAKING THE SILENCE
The experience of a nun in Mother Teresa's order and her
journey to freedom
Our precious time with Anna and Brian affected us deeply. It led to people responding like this:
"Anna, you have shown great love for Jesus. You could hardly love Jesus more. Your decision (to leave the order) was utterly heroic, courageous, and daring".
We found ourselves reflecting on the treatment Anna has received :
"The response Anna had from the hierarchical Church was wickedly ignorant abuse. The preference for defending the reputation of the Order rather than listening to your account is sickening. Anna you chose to stay close to Jesus - that was the good and very brave choice, may you always be aware of that closeness"
We found ourselves asking
"How do we stop the systemic spiritual abuse?"
Anna says :
"When l left the convent it was so hard. I am surprised l didn’t get crazy .The process and effort to deprogram what is built in you as a religious is full of anxiety because you continually experience guilt."
Root & Branch latest news
"You have felt the Providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now."
From our friends in Catholic Women's Ordination ( CWO)
You may have seen the video of the wonderful Mariann Edgar Budde, an American prelate of the Episcopal Church. She has served as Bishop of Washington since November 2011. We who campaign for the ordination of women salute her courage. What a shining example of what happens when women get the opportunity to minister and preach the gospel. She called out President Trump.
Read the whole sermon here.
She is under attack from Trump - this is what he posted.
You can support Marion in a petition here
For those who wish to send a postcard of support for her sermon of love.
The Rt Revd Mariann Edgar Budde
Episcopal Church House, Mount St. Alban, Washington DC20016-5094 USA
JOHN (HANS) WIJNGAARDS, RIP
ROOT & BRANCH ARE DEEPLY SADDENED
to hear of our loss of John Wijngaards, on 2nd January, 2025.
For nearly fifty years, he was a prominent supporter of the ordination of women in the Catholic Church. In 1998, he took a very public stand for this cause, resigning from the Catholic priesthood in protest of Pope John Paul II’s banning of women priests — as well as any discussion of the issue.
We owe him more than we can say.
To get an idea of the scale and breadth of the research
and academic advancement that the Wijngaards Institute
for Catholic Research has brought us,
click here
We rejoice that the Institute is in good hands, carrying
on his great work.
Rest in peace, thou good and faithful servant.
EMPOWERING OURSELVES
flourish & thrive
our wonderful,compelling weekend 30th Aug - 1st September
Find out more
You may be one of our loyal donors, supporters, speakers, guests, friends or tireless workers for reform.
Or maybe you're new to Root & Branch and want to find out more
Go straight to the 'Empowering Ourselves' page ...
WHAT DOES R&B DO?
WE WORK FOR A SAFE, JUST AND INCLUSIVE CHURCH
Huge thanks to our community who help us so much with prayer and support. We are very grateful for all the donations we have received over the last few weeks.
Thank you so much!
"Like a feather on the breath of God..."
- St Hildegard of Bingen, 1098-1179,
Abbess and Visionary
It is my dream you dream,
my house you build,