The Bishop of Ebbsfleet said he did not want to queue up to join the Catholic church and leave his ‘treasures’ behind. When I asked what those treasures were he answered very well: the treasures of St Lawrence, for the saint said before his martyrdom that his treasures were the poor people of God. The implication is that the good bishop wants to come home to Rome with as many Anglican faithful as possible.

This is a laudable aim, and let us all pray for its success. While it may be possible for the Bishop to somehow lead a sizeable group of Anglicans into the Catholic Church, I believe it is more likely that the personal example of one person taking the step of faith and leading his flock in that way is more effective. Which example for the flock is most impressive? A continual, “Let us wait and see” or “I’m going, who is coming with me?”