tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post4689027713065341001..comments2023-12-16T16:17:43.886+00:00Comments on Fr Ray Blake's Blog: Fr Michael Clifton's last post?Fr Ray Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05584140126211527252noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-57833268362138400032010-10-24T18:01:23.250+01:002010-10-24T18:01:23.250+01:00Father - I echo 'Laura's' comment. Sh...Father - I echo 'Laura's' comment. She gives the precise reason why I will not give the CT house room, and regret to say, the CH is not far behind.mikesviewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-23643604195837641542010-10-21T09:55:11.021+01:002010-10-21T09:55:11.021+01:00@EFpastor emeritus
Yes, the hatred of the hierar...@EFpastor emeritus <br /><br />Yes, the hatred of the hierarchy towards the blogosphere is visceral. Not one of them has established a blog of his own. The Tablet wouldn't dare establish a com box for the simple reason that intellectually the Second Vatican council and liberalism is finished and has been for many years. The bishops get around this problem by appointing 'pastoral' men to their ranks: Cunningham, Doyle, Drainey, Davies, Evans etc … for the simple reason there are no intellectuals left to defend this indefensible project. To question these appointments is invite the ad hominem attack that one is 'anti-pastoral'. It's a classic liberal ploy. Front up the operation with nice guys so that any critique of the present ecclesiology constitutes a questioning of their 'nice guy' status rather than the failed ecclesiology which they have been tasked to defend. One of the ironies of this strategy is that O'Donoghue, an appointment from this 'pastoral' template, turned on his own and commissioned the "Fit for Mission" document. The only decent thing to emerge from his rank in decades and intellectually coherent to boot.Sadie Vacantisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823532366874114366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-72272831044580867602010-10-21T07:40:29.419+01:002010-10-21T07:40:29.419+01:00Now Father Clifton says it was tiredness that made...Now Father Clifton says it was tiredness that made him give up. He had previously told us that his decision was based on "Advice" following legal threats. Curiouser and curiouser.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-31568596503367658782010-10-21T02:21:37.220+01:002010-10-21T02:21:37.220+01:00That anonymous comment was both utterly repulsive ...That anonymous comment was both utterly repulsive and deeply stupid.<br /><br />If I say any more I will descend into fluent Anglo Saxon.<br /><br />Let me take this opportunity to express my solidarity with Fathers Ray Blake and Michael Clifton.<br /><br />I am very angry about this.<br /><br />I shall be in touch with Father Michael about his setting up a private email list.<br /><br />Libel laws and the threat thereof have absolutely no place in doctrinal discussion.<br /><br />I repeat, I am very angry about this.Red Mariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00858695355021361726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-28658591471835911842010-10-20T23:26:57.376+01:002010-10-20T23:26:57.376+01:00I thought everyone would be interested to know tha...I thought everyone would be interested to know that I have had LOADS of supportive-for-Father-Clifton emails following the report on our homepage at www.catholictruthscotland.com and the voting polls have consistently demonstrated disapproval of Mgr Loftus and both the Catholic Times and the SCO. <br /><br />I know that Kevin Flaherty's email is at the top of this page so thought I would add Liz Leydon's email address at the Scottish Catholic Observer editor@sconews.co.uk <br /><br />I've written to both editors to alert them to our boycott. I believe a few people have also emailed to say they won't be buying the papers again while Mgr Loftus is writing in them. <br /><br />Among the supportive messages for Fr Clifton have been emails and conversations with a number of priests, so I do hope that Fr Clifton will withdraw his apology, reinstate his blog and tell Mgr Loftus he'll see him in court. I'll be counsel for the defence - all those years of watching Perry Mason will pay off at last...<br /><br />It won't happen, of course - there'll be no court action. Sob, sob...<br /><br />God bless Fr Clifton (and Fr Ray Blake) and have mercy on Mgr Loftus.EditorCThttp://www.catholictruthscotland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-51565344575006939192010-10-20T23:03:25.028+01:002010-10-20T23:03:25.028+01:00Sir,
Do you agree with me that in these challengi...Sir,<br /><br />Do you agree with me that in these challenging times, the nation needs, nay, requires the return of that great legal drama.....Misleading Cases.....???<br /><br />When people start flaying each other over scarce "resources" we will need whole brigades of Philadelphia lawyers....Pronto.<br /><br />Therefore the urgent return to our screens of this compelling real life drama can't come quick enough.<br /><br />The burning question is: now that Moore Marriot is no longer with us......where can we find a matinee idol to play our hero, Albert Haddock....????Crouchbackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02935593078371004088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-83916227815830522922010-10-20T16:17:36.823+01:002010-10-20T16:17:36.823+01:00Sorry in my previous comment it was not Patricia b...Sorry in my previous comment it was not Patricia but the Editor of Total Catholic who has the remarks he can send youMichael Cliftonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00568515640292864739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-82147591807345031712010-10-20T16:15:49.656+01:002010-10-20T16:15:49.656+01:00Thank you Fr Ray for giving me that publicity. Ahu...Thank you Fr Ray for giving me that publicity. Ahuge increase in readership followed! One of these was from Patricia McKeevor who might send you a little correspondence to show exactly why Mgr Loftus is so difficult to nail. Your readers would be well advised to steer well clear of him for now. By the way do you know how to run a private blog ? I also must point out that my retirement from main line blogging was due more to finding it tiring than to mGR Loftus. He just made me give up rather earlier.Michael Cliftonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00568515640292864739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-53064665583593194872010-10-20T12:26:26.433+01:002010-10-20T12:26:26.433+01:00@Sharon
Tell me what your blog is and I shall pos...@Sharon<br /><br />Tell me what your blog is and I shall post it.Sadie Vacantisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823532366874114366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-68344842144709980482010-10-20T10:55:27.310+01:002010-10-20T10:55:27.310+01:00I saw one bishop in 'civvies' walking down...<i>I saw one bishop in 'civvies' walking down my local high street.</i><br /><br />Good grief!! A bishop in mufti walking down a street! That proves it - we are indeed going to hell in a handbasket.<br /><br />Cummon Sadie, don't be coy - name the bishop. That way we will know you aren't making things up.Sharonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-72582672837473355242010-10-20T10:22:34.339+01:002010-10-20T10:22:34.339+01:00If these comments were all made by Catholics it is...If these comments were all made by Catholics it is very worrying;I am losing the will to live.nickbrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18412418782531527758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-57170273043450424462010-10-20T09:45:15.900+01:002010-10-20T09:45:15.900+01:00I suspect that anonymous expresses the views of mo...I suspect that anonymous expresses the views of most lay and clerical apparatchiks in the employ of the bishops. The post-Vatican II church has proved to be a cash cow not just for abuse victims but for those employed in the various lay ministries who have been instrumental in the destruction of the Faith in this country. I don't see any evidence of a sea change. A week after the Papal visit I saw one bishop in 'civvies' walking down my local high street. So much for witnessing in the public square!Sadie Vacantisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04823532366874114366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-69778323114552638072010-10-20T07:11:00.547+01:002010-10-20T07:11:00.547+01:00I got a nasty anonymous for posting about Fr Clift...I got a nasty anonymous for posting about Fr Clifton's blog closure.I will heed Fr Ray & send it to trash.<br />regarding Fr Clifton he would have been fine to continue his blog without mentioning a certain priest or alluding to him. I know the fear of threats to sue etc & I must admit I did become very ill. So I suppose given father's ill health it might be best for now.<br />I'm going to buy the CT to take a look at what is written this week.<br />Fr Clifton & Fr Ray put up their real names..wheras the anonymous can't act so brave.<br />I hope the difficulty is sorted amicably eventually.<br />Forgiveness & charity go a long way..though some don't do this.Jackie Parkes MJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16693505024823229152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-83512321373735945652010-10-20T02:23:56.246+01:002010-10-20T02:23:56.246+01:00That is completely ridiculous. If somebody espouse...That is completely ridiculous. If somebody espouses heretical views, he should be denounced and challenged. In any case, keep blogging Father, and keep preaching the truth.Dermotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-72083305375716986642010-10-20T01:53:21.680+01:002010-10-20T01:53:21.680+01:00This appears to be a threat only. If a legal acti...This appears to be a threat only. If a legal action was really in the offing, you would have received a communication from the attorneys representing Msgr. Loftus. If he has been unable to obtain legal representation, his threats are meaningless. <br /><br />I am sorry Fr. Clifton has been distressed by Msgr. Loftus' threats. Msgr. Loftus sets a poor example.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03580856325657683194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-4702663580967673972010-10-19T23:43:29.351+01:002010-10-19T23:43:29.351+01:00I suspect that, in the days before email and the b...I suspect that, in the days before email and the blogosphere, missives such as the one from "Anonymous" would have been scrawled illegibly in green ink...Mulier Fortishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01186202810919174492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-66567257630427575112010-10-19T22:34:40.537+01:002010-10-19T22:34:40.537+01:00Fr Clifton is a fine priest, but not in the very b...Fr Clifton is a fine priest, but not in the very best of health, and although I rerget the end of his blog, I cannot blame him for eliminating something which must, I am sure, have been causing him great concern recently. He will remain in my - and no doubt many other people's - prayers.<br /><br />I just regret that certain people who ought to know better seem to be oblivious to the way they cause such distress in a good priest.Dominic Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14514722976964423091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-51908593678966432972010-10-19T22:24:49.378+01:002010-10-19T22:24:49.378+01:00EF
Fr Mildew has taken a prudent course of action...EF<br /><br />Fr Mildew has taken a prudent course of action, which does not impair his legal position.<br /><br />Anonymous<br /><br />Yes, indeed pride cometh before a fall - and that is not advice to be given to one side only in any legal action.<br /><br />Please could someone tell me if The Catholic Times is taking action separately from Mgr Loftus - and if so, on what grounds? <br /><br />Only post if not likely to prejudice proceedings. It is just so I can be accurate in my letter.Dillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01205740584849200357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-42254161793484708852010-10-19T21:51:00.561+01:002010-10-19T21:51:00.561+01:00I heartily agree with Kevin's comment, and end...I heartily agree with Kevin's comment, and endorse Terry's encouragement.<br /><br />I too, am sorry that Fr Mildew collapsed under pressure. The challenge was to him, not me, and I have no right to judge his decision. I hope he will reconsider and return to the fray.<br /> <br />But how are we to witness to the Truth with our lives, if we fear even economic martyrdom?<br /><br />Carry on your witness to Christ, Father Ray!B flathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17611595580578224726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-14590505577891190252010-10-19T20:01:45.990+01:002010-10-19T20:01:45.990+01:00Rather angry and spiteful post from anonymous. Can...Rather angry and spiteful post from anonymous. Can't you put your objections in a more courteous form?RJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13871618901190898384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-79616419277342389222010-10-19T19:49:29.175+01:002010-10-19T19:49:29.175+01:00"I am sure there are a number of people scrat..."I am sure there are a number of people scratching quill on parchment to senior clergy about me even as I type."<br /><br />I wonder if their punctuation and spelling will be just as eccentric as your anonymous correspondent.<br /><br />Presumably "senior clergy" are used to receiving such letters from people who are used to lurking in the dark and simply file them in the bin. That is if they can decipher them.<br /><br />I am never sure what motivates such people that they feel the need to attack people under the cloak of anonymity. Malice ? Fear ? Cowardice ?<br /><br />Sunshine and the light are of course the best disinfectants. In the cold light the inadequacy of what they have to say is brutally exposed.<br /><br />Please do not get disheartened and please continue with your good work.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09216619732353177072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-87243932943339233002010-10-19T19:41:25.268+01:002010-10-19T19:41:25.268+01:00Oh Anonymous! - what a big man/woman you are! Thr...Oh Anonymous! - what a big man/woman you are! Threatening Fr Blake from behind your anonymity. Pathetic. And in case you accuse me of hiding behind anonymity, my e-mail address is kevin.rowles@btinternet.com If you want to 'report' me, fill yer boots. There's nothing you can do. I'm a layman. And if you contact me, believe me, you won't find the courtesy afforded you by Fr Ray Blake and others on this blog. That said, I'm not a fan of Fr Mildew's blog - but that's just personal taste - he isn't unorthodox. That's the crux. I guess you're 'We Are Church' or 'Catholics for a Changing Church', or worse. Fortunately for Catholics, you don't decide who is holy, Anonymous. God does. If you want to administer judgements from 'on high' in future, at least have the guts to put your real name on it. But you won't, because people like you are spineless.Kevinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-72012934901113524332010-10-19T19:39:31.873+01:002010-10-19T19:39:31.873+01:00(1) Fails to accept apology
(2) Threatens to sue
H...(1) Fails to accept apology<br />(2) Threatens to sue<br />Has someone forgotten what they were taught in Catholic 101 (i.e. primary school):<br />(1) Forgive us our trespasses etc<br />(2) Turn the other cheek etc<br /><br />This is bad old days abuse of power..Thomas Mulletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18072168217510981562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-47501617654996265532010-10-19T19:37:56.597+01:002010-10-19T19:37:56.597+01:00I am one of those who would have wished that Fr Mi...I am one of those who would have wished that Fr Mildew's response had been "Do your worst!"; indeed, I was inclined to think the apology and withdrawal of the "offending" post was regrettable. I now think that to have expected Fr Mildew to come out fighting was probably unreasonable; he seems genuinely worried and distressed, judging from his most recent posts.<br /><br />One thing worries me: Fr M said he was going to seek advice from his Archbishop; now he says he is closing his blog down "on advice". I hope the juxtaposition of those two statements is simply product of my imagination working overtime.<br /><br />I have a suggestion, which I hesitate to put forward, since I do not have a blog of my own, and the potential consequences of what I am about to suggest would not be visited on me. It occurs to me that all like-minded bloggers might post what Fr M said that The Litigious One finds so unforgiveable, in a kind of "I am Spartacus" gesture. My guess is he wouldn't have time enough (literally) or sufficiently deep pockets to come after all of you.<br /><br />I'd be happy to appear as a witness for the defence in any action he might bring; I have access to quite an archive of the articles in question, and could put together a robust argument from his own writings that what was written was fair comment.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I shall write to The Litigious One's editor; he should be in no doubt that his columnist's un-Christian behaviour reflects badly on his publication.pattifhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14471601225724857390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31069882.post-42414176003061810962010-10-19T19:16:49.595+01:002010-10-19T19:16:49.595+01:00I am disgusted at the bullying and intimidation fr...I am disgusted at the bullying and intimidation from the 'liberal' wing of the Church who practise 'toleration' only towards their own pet causes. Talk about taking a hammer to a nut! <br /><br />Hurt pride isn't a pretty sight is it?<br /><br />Fr Mildew is a friend of mine - please pray for him. he's a fine priest and not in the best of health.Clarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00740782764077343559noreply@blogger.com