ST VINCENT’S ANGLICAN CHURCH IN THE ALGARVE

Following reports and some confusion about recent events in the Algarve chaplaincy, it is confirmed that the Reverend Eric Britt is no longer licensed to officiate as a clergyman within the Diocese in Europe.

The Bishop in Europe, Suffragan Bishop, and the Archdeacon of Gibraltar are all saddened and dismayed at suggestions that their response to a request for assistance by the Reverend Eric Britt, Chaplain in the Algarve (Portugal) has been handled with anything other than compassion and fairness. Following an appeal for a formal Visitation (a visit by senior officials with a brief to inquire into complaints or allegations) the Suffragan Bishop in Europe, the Right Reverend David Hamid and the Archdeacon of Gibraltar, the Venerable Alan Woods visited the Algarve. The request for their intervention came directly from the then chaplain, the Reverend Eric Britt.

During this formal process the Bishop and Archdeacon had a duty to listen to the views of all members of the congregation about pastoral difficulties. All who wished to be heard and make representation were considered. During this time a number of facts and allegations emerged which resulted in the view that there was a pastoral breakdown which could best be resolved by the chaplain moving to a new situation. Other appointments were discussed with Mr Britt.

Since the tensions continued and no progress had been made in this area a generous remuneration package was agreed with Mr Britt, and he – in turn - agreed that his licence to officiate in the diocese would be revoked. This came into effect on Sunday 9th July 2006. It was not known that during those weeks of discussion to direct and secure the future of the Reverend Eric Britt he was in the process of setting up a breakaway so called “Anglican” congregation. At present our understanding is that this congregation is not a constituent part of the jurisdiction of any bishop in the Anglican Communion and can therefore not claim to be an Anglican church.

The Bishop in Europe, the Right Reverend Geoffrey Rowell, has written to the Reverend Eric Britt expressing his shock and sadness at the underhand and subversive manner in which the breakaway church was planned before any attempt at final resolution of the difficulties. He has also assured Eric and Sue Britt of his concern for their personal welfare and assured them that he would be happy to meet them in England to discuss the present situation and his pastoral future.

The Diocese in Europe is continuing to provide locum priests for worship at St Vincent’s chaplaincy, and plans to end the official period of visitation within the next few months. It is hoped the position of Anglican Chaplain for the three congregations that comprise the Algarve Chaplaincy will be advertised before the end of 2006 and the new person will be in post in the early months of 2007.

Anglican visitors to the Algarve should be advised that the self-styled “All Saints” congregation under the leadership of the Reverend Eric Britt has no legal status within the Anglican church and is not part of the Church of England Diocese in Europe, which continues to provide worship and pastoral care for residents and visitors.

ISSUED BY THE DIOCESAN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, The Reverend Paul Needle 20 July 2006