4 V After considering all the written representations the points of clarification at the (public and private) meetings, the Panel reaches these overall conclusions:
a. The presence of the Neocatechumenal Way at St Nicholas of Tolentino, at St Peter and at Sacred Hearts has not brought new vitality to animate these parishes. Regrettably, the opposite is the case. These parishes lack unity and have declined pastorally as a Parish Community within the Clifton Diocese since the introduction of the NC Way;
b. the presence of the Neocatechumenal Way in these parishes does not make visible the sign of the missionary church. Rather, it conveys a sign of strong disunity. The communities have undoubtedly brought some people to the Church for the first time, have helped other people back to the fold and renewed the faith of others, but the Panel is of the view that the Parish Communities as a whole have suffered in consequence;
c. the Neocatechumenal Way at the three parishes does not and has not always operated in the spirit of service to Bishop Alexander or in communion with him in the context of the unity of the Clifton Diocese;
d. there is no discernible prospect of 'inculturation' for the Neocatechumenal Way within the Clifton Diocese;
e. the proscriptions of March 1994 should not be removed or relaxed but should become more precise so as to limit the size of the communities to the prevailing level;
f. there is a pressing need that each Parish be united as a whole community and with that in mind, a pastoral plan should be produced by Bishop Alexander as a matter of expediency;
g. exercising a right and duty by virtue of Canon 212, Christ's faithful were justified to do so. However, we do not conclude that each PP has caused any individual harm but we do conclude that the methods of the NC Way have done so, also that experience over the years at each Parish shows convincingly that the presence of the NC Way is harmful to it's pastoral vitality and unity.
4 V 2 The letter of appointment on 29 December 1995 makes plain that this is a Preliminary Enquiry but in the light of the above mentioned conclusions another Enquiry might be necessary, especially to examine the methods of the NC Way as applied in the Clifton Diocese, bearing in mind also the reported indications of claims that the NC Way is the only way to salvation.
4 V 3 The Panel has noted the explanations by each Parish Priest that such proclamations would be 'heretical': the responses are recorded at paragraph 2.24 of our Report. It is not for us, but for Bishop Alexander and his advisors to assess whether such responses are adequate in the circumstances. The Panel also draws attention for an Enquiry to study' the theology' of the NC way as applied in the Clifton Diocese. That again is a matter for the Bishop and his advisors.
"May they all be one.
Father, may they be one in us as you are in me and I am in you
so that the world may believe it was you who sent me."
John 17:21.
As the Panel of Enquiry these words of Our Lord have been at the forefront of our minds when considering whether the Neo-Catechumenal Way has caused harm in the three parishes of the Clifton Diocese. Our first priority has been the spiritual good of all involved. However, our Enquiry has concluded that the NC has damaged the spiritual unity of the three parishes. All our recommendations are with a view to restoring the unity of each parish community within the Diocesan family.
Our recommendations which follow can only be fully understood the light of the Report which attempts to give the gist of the main aspects raised in the representations and at the public and private meetings. They fall into four broad categories:
1. The unity of a Catholic Diocese demands that there be one Chief Pastor who guides the life of the Church. The Parishes and the Neo-Catechemunal communities should receive their pastoral guidance from the Bishop, or those appointed by him. This should remove any need for those outside the Diocese to continue their involvement.
2. The Edict of 1994 should remain in force, thereby limiting the membership of the Communities, and uniting the parishes in the Sunday Eucharist, and what is most important, the Easter Vigil. We recommend that all Catholics strive to accept the RCIA as the authentic way of evangelisation in parish life.
3. The unity of the parishes demand that everything be done in an inclusive way. In other words, the catechetical programmes, youth involvement, parish groups and committees should never be exclusively Neo-Catechumenate, and should be representative of the parish as a whole.
4 Each parish has been affected in a different way by the presence of the NC. However, we conclude that a new start is needed in each parish community. Whether this means that the Parish Priests remain in their respective parishes for the benefit of the parish community and themselves, or whether they are required to move on to another parish in the Diocese, is a matter for the Bishop to decide. In coming to a decision about the future we urge that the wellbeing of the whole parish community be paramount, bearing in mind our Report.
The Panel would once again like to express its gratitude to all who have helped with this long and arduous task. The Panel recognises that all who have tried to help have done so for the best motives, for the good of the Church, for the good of the respective parishes and communities. We ask that in receiving these recommendations all involved should strive for the good of the whole Diocese under the guidance of Bishop Alexander and that no-one should act out of a sectional interest.