Daily Devotion for Monday 28th September 2026
Monday 28th September Heresy in Orkney?
St John 6: 32-34
Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’
Reflection
This Summer a tiny Catholic community, The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, on the isle of Papa Stronsay here in Orkney hit the headlines when their prior was ordained a bishop without a papal mandate resulting in a prompt excommunication and a declaration their sacraments were invalid. The Sons had spent most of Pope Francis’ pontificate condemning the Catholic Church, of which they were then part, as heretical and stepped up their criticisms under the ministry of Pope Leo. Their use of social media to declare the papal see was empty, due to heresy, didn’t help their standing with the local diocese.
The Sons disagree with the 1960s reforms of the Catholic Church which resulted in the sacraments being celebrated in the language of the people alongside a simplification of the liturgy. The Catholic Church displayed a more open attitude to other Christians, Jewish faith and practice, and the world. In recent years ultra conservative Catholics, however, have rejected this reforming agenda seeking to go back to a post Reformation Catholic outlook and often making common cause with a newly resurgent political right wing rejecting heresy in church and world.
“Heresy”, however, simply means choice and represents beliefs that go against the mainstream. It is a word used of others. The Sons do not see themselves as heretics but as good Catholics – despite their excommunication. In all the disputes about doctrine that have ever raged in the Church all sides have seen themselves as faithful disciples, as true Christians. Disputes about ideas and theology, however, often turn violent. The idea that good people can disagree well seems to be one we find difficult.
This week we will explore heresy a bit further to see what, if anything, we can learn about these disputes in an age which sees itself as tolerant and liberal. From formerly Catholic monks in Orkney (an unkind commentator referred to them as “Protestants with incense”) to our social debates now we’ll see “heresy” is alive and well!
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You offer Your very self to Your people,
feeding us with the Bread of Heaven
at pulpit and table,
at work and worship,
from remote Orcadian isle to bustling city.
Feed us with your very self,
now and always,
that we may remain faithful disciples,
now and evermore, Amen.