New research from the Benedict XVI Centre for Religious, Ethics and Society at St Mary’s University, London, has provided a comprehensive account of Anglican clergy who have entered into full communion with – or “converted” into – the Catholic Church in Britain.
The new research, which features a foreword from St Mary’s Chancellor HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols, is titled Convert Clergy in the Catholic Church in Britain: The Role of the St Barnabas Society, was produced by Prof Stephen Bullivant, Fernanda Mee, and Janet Mellor. Funded by the St Barnabas Society, the project explores the personal, pastoral and institutional experiences of these ex-Anglican clergy. It also explores the broader historical and sociological context over the past three decades.
Conducted over several years, the project brought together qualitative data, including interviews with 36 participants, which included bishops, clergy, religious and spouses. It also draws on published accounts, archival records and statical information to present a fuller picture of this less explored aspect of contemporary Church life.
Prof Stephen Bullivant, Director of the Benedict XVI Centre, and Professor of Theology and the Sociology of Religion at St Mary’s University, said: “This research offers new insights into an important yet understudied area of Christian life in Britain. It highlights both the personal stories and the wider dynamics shaping clergy transitions between communities.”
The report includes the role of the St Barnabas Society, which has supported clergy and religious making such transitions for more than a century, and provides a valuable resource for scholars of religion, Church history, and contemporary faith communities.
The full report is now available via the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary’s University.