At 85 years of age, I come at last to seek admission to the NCP. Two factors were dominant in my decision: one, the need to identify as fully as possible with the Year of the Priest, and two, the marked improvement (in my view) of attitudes of members and in the content and presentation of The Swag.

Over the years I, and so many others, have been immensely saddened by the intensity of division that has so deeply wounded Christ’s Church. I think it is fair to say that proponents on both sides substituted ideology for theology – with the inevitable infection of intolerance and much personal distrust and ill-will. A long way from Christian dialogue!

And the saddest thing of all was the sincere dedication and zeal on both sides.

But I perceive maturity and tolerance emerging and pray that I may live to see the beginning of the practices envisioned at the Vatican Council, which neither side has implemented as yet.

May God bless your work.

Joseph Staunton, Dickson ACT