Autumn 2025 Pastoral Letter from Bishop Stephen

To all God’s Beloved within the See of Beverley

In his recent Encyclical, Dilexi Te, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, continued to develop the teaching of his predecessor Pope Francis on the “inexhaustible mystery” of the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus.  This is a timely reminder for us and all Christian people to hear the cry of the poor.  The poor in this context are not just those of us who have fewer financial resources than others, but those whose circumstances from birth onwards may lead to marginalisation and further degradation.  None of this should be new to us and will resonate either because it is our own story or because we have dedicated ourselves to love those who Scripture tells us were always at the forefront of God’s mind and have been central to the ministry of countless Saints and Martyrs through the ages. I commend the document to you, which you may find here: Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te of the Holy Father Leo XIV on Love for the Poor (4 October 2025)

Pope Leo XIV has also received many headlines and commentary in certain circles on the Vatican’s recent clarification on the use of certain titles, particularly Co-Redemptrix, attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose Presentation many Christians remember today.  The Vatican has not changed any doctrine relating to Mary but has sought to remind all the faithful that Marian devotions and practices all point to the one and only Redeemer, her Son, Jesus Christ.  The Holy Father has received some unwarranted criticism because he is said to be contradicting his predecessors, but even Benedict XVI expressed concern on this issue:

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was opposed to such a definition, arguing, “the precise meaning of these titles is not clear, and the doctrine contained in them is not mature. […] It is not clear how the doctrine expressed in these titles is present in Scripture and the apostolic tradition.”  Later, in 2002, the future Benedict XVI expressed himself publicly in the same way: “The formula ‘Co-redemptrix’ departs to too great an extent from the language of Scripture and of the Fathers and therefore gives rise to misunderstandings… Everything comes from Him [Christ], as the Letter to the Ephesians and the Letter to the Colossians, in particular, tell us; Mary, too, is everything that she is through Him. The word ‘Co-redemptrix’ would obscure this origin.”
Doctrinal Note on Marian titles: Mother of the faithful, not Co-redemptrix – Vatican News

As one who has from time to time used the term “Co-redemptrix” when speaking of Mary’s partnership with her Son in the story of salvation I am grateful for the clarification.  This has been a good reminder that certain terms do have their uses, but, if misunderstood or misused should be reconsidered.  The full Vatican text can be read here.

Avila Pilgrimage 2026: A study tour with the Spanish Mystics – an update

Spaces on this tour are filling up fast.  There may still be some places available.  Please book soon, with your deposit, to avoid disappointment. Details are here: Avila Study Tour 2026 – The See of Beverley

The Archbishop of Canterbury
After what seemed to be an inordinately long time, the announcement that the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullaly, is to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury was made at the beginning of October.  Much has been said and written since then about her appointment. The Society Bishops’ statement may be found here.

Like all who have gone before her, the next Archbishop will find the task almost impossible to fulfil and will need much prayer.  Her appointment does raise a lot of questions for us and others who hold to the traditional, inherited catholic understanding of holy orders, but what it must not do, please, is lead to unhelpful and unpleasant public commentary.

A question that we do have to answer, as other Anglicans have done around the world is this:  what does it mean to be an Anglican, especially an English Anglican, who is not in full communion with the See of Canterbury?  The Five Guiding Principles that emerged at the same time the episcopacy in England was opened up to women as well as men do provide the starting point for all who work and worship within the Church of England to follow, and the teaching document Communion and Catholicity in the Church of England, produced by the Society Bishops at the time, adds flesh to the Principles where they say,

“We believe, humbly and with hope and trust for the future, that the tradition of Anglican identity exemplified by The Society has a distinctive contribution to make to our common life in the Church of England and to its mission.”

I recommend that this document is revisited by all who are concerned about our ongoing place within the Church of England and how we may continue to cherish our identity despite the complexities of the current situation.

I encourage you all to hold fast to that which we have received and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus boldly, confidently and lovingly so that others may find salvation in Him.  We have a unique charism within the Church: let’s not hide away!

Confirmations

If Confirmation numbers are anything to go by, the parishes of the See of Beverley continue to contribute and present a joyful, life-filled, flavour to the church in this land.  At the time of writing there have been 356 Confirmations in our parishes since 1 January 2025.  This is wonderful news.  If your parish hasn’t had a Confirmation in a while, please do not be disheartened.  If we remain faithful the time will come when someone new finds faith through our witness.  If you are planning a Confirmation in 2026 please ask neighbouring parishes if you could join together for the service as my diary does get rather full rather quickly!

Leading your Church into Growth with the Catholic Mission Network

As part of the Catholic Mission Network programme, Society priests, deacons and parish teams are invited to a free residential LyCiG Conference at The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, 8–10 February 2026.
Discover practical, prayerful ways to grow your church in numbers, faith, and community service. Places are fully funded (meals and accommodation included), but are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
For more information and to book your place(s) 
Or, if you have any questions, feel free to contact Fr Chris Brading.

Some important dates to note for your 2026 diary – more information will follow in due course

Clergy quiet days:
All 10am to 3pm
12 March, venue to be confirmed
16 June, Woolley, West Yorkshire
1 October, Community of the Holy Cross, Costock

Lent Penitential Day:
21 February, All Saints’ North Street, York, 11am. This is a time of teaching and ministry to enable the use of the oft neglected Sacrament of Confession.

Chrism Masses:
22 March, Horbury Parish Church, Wakefield, 6pm
29 March, St Aidan’s Grangetown, Sunderland, 6pm
30 March, Worksop Priory, 12noon
31 March, Manchester Cathedral, 11:30am

Children and Youth Ministry Development Day:
13 June, St Columba’s, Anfield, Liverpool, 10am to 3pm

See of Beverley Festival:
18 July, York Minster, time to be confirmed

See of Beverley Conference 2027

Please hold 1^st to 4^th September 2027 as a “Save the Date”.  Plans for a residential See of Beverley lay and clergy conference are busy being formulated and we think that some time over these few days may be the best.  More information will be released as plans are firmed up.

All these events and many others will be advertised on the See of Beverley website and Facebook page.  Please follow the See of Beverley on social media if you don’t already and share the news we bring to you as widely as possible. If you are planning a local event that you would like wider support for please let me know as soon as possible so that it can be shared in good time, but also to alert one another to potential clashes.

As the liturgical year draws to a close, I pray God’s blessing upon you as we give thanks for Christ the Universal King and enter into the beautiful Advent season.

Yours, as ever,

+Stephen Beverley