FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

In the Service of the Gospel: CRSHJ Tables Review on Women’s Diaconate for 2035/2036

The Canons Regular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (CRSHJ), in fidelity to the Church’s living tradition and its apostolic mission of radical inclusivity, have formally tabled a review of the question of the Women’s Diaconate for the years 2035–2036. This decision, reached through prayerful consultation and theological reflection, marks a significant moment in the Institute’s journey toward a more expansive understanding of ecclesial service. Read further…

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

Apostle by Revelation: Why Paul’s Ministry Still Raises Eyebrows

Few figures in Christian history evoke as much admiration—and ambivalence—as St Paul. Heralded as the Apostle to the Gentiles, architect of early Christian theology, and tireless missionary, Paul’s legacy is monumental. Yet from the very beginning, his apostleship was met with hesitation, and even today, some believers instinctively hold his ministry at arm’s length. Why?

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

“In Persona Christi”: Why the CRSHJ Affirm the Reservation of Priestly Ordination to Men

In an age of rapid cultural transformation, the Canons Regular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (CRSHJ) stand with clarity and compassion in reaffirming a teaching that has shaped the sacramental life of the Church from apostolic times: that priestly ordination is reserved to men. This position, far from being an isolated Roman Catholic stance, is shared by the Eastern Catholic Churches, the Orthodox Churches, and many other apostolic communities across East and West.

This article offers a theological and pastoral reflection on why the CRSHJ uphold this teaching—not as a rejection of women’s dignity, but as a fidelity to Christ’s sacramental logic and the ecclesial tradition entrusted to us.

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

Veiled in Humility: Clerical Attire and the Witness of Simplicity

In Old Catholic and Independent Catholic circles, where diversity of expression is often celebrated, the question of clerical attire—both liturgical and daily—deserves renewed attention. Beauty and even richness in clerical attire or liturgical vestments are not inherently vain. But when beauty becomes a mask for ego, the witness of the priest is compromised. This reflection seeks to reclaim the theological and pastoral heart of clerical dress: that it may veil the self and reveal the Saviour.

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

Who are the Old catholics?

In the ever-evolving landscape of Christianity, few movements are as quietly resilient and theologically rich as Independent Catholicism. Often misunderstood or overlooked, this diverse constellation of communities offers a compelling witness to sacramental life, apostolic succession, and pastoral inclusivity—outside the jurisdiction of Rome. Among its many expressions, the Old Catholic tradition stands out for its historical depth, theological integrity, and enduring commitment to the faith of the early Church.

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

Christian Clarity in Relation to Islam: A Pastoral and Doctrinal Reflection

The One Catholic Church, entrusted with the deposit of faith and the care of souls, finds herself increasingly called to navigate complex interreligious grounds. Among these, the relationship between Christianity and Islam demands particular attention—not solely for its theological implications, but for the pastoral and cultural challenges it presents to Christian communities across the World.

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

Homily for the Feast of St James the Greater

today we stand in the company of one who thundered across Galilee with a heart aflame and finished his journey as the first among the Apostles to lay down his life in martyrdom: St James the Greater, son of Zebedee, brother of John, and beloved companion of Christ.

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

Transfiguration – A Contribution in Homiletics

With the Feast of the Transfiguration quickly approaching on the 6th of August 2025, the Church draws us upward to the mountaintop, where the glory of the Lord breaks through veil and shadow. It is a feast of light, not the gentle shimmer of dawn but the blazing brilliance of unveiled divinity.

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

Exploring the Branches of Theology: A Journey Through Sacred Disciplines

Theology, in its broadest sense, is the study of God, creation, and the divine-human relationship. Yet within this vast domain, distinct branches emerge—each offering a particular lens through which the mystery of faith is explored and articulated. These theological disciplines have developed over centuries through dialogue, reflection, scripture, and lived experience. What follows is a guided introduction to nine key branches, each bearing its own insights, questions, and contributions to the Church’s understanding of divine truth.

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

Born This Way: Why Christianity Must Rethink Its Stance on LGB+ Orientation

Christianity promises the radical love of Christ to every human being. Yet many churches perpetuate condemnation toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals—turning a blind eye to what both science and a Christ-centred theology reveal: that sexual orientation is not a moral fault, cultural rebellion, or choice. It is a biologically shaped aspect of human identity, deeply interwoven with how a person is formed in the womb and matures across life.

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FR. G. V. W. LEWIS FR. G. V. W. LEWIS

The Next Chapter of the Priesthood: Integrating Tradition with Pastoral Reality

In the half-century since Pope Paul VI issued Sacerdotalis Caelibatus, its portrait of priestly celibacy as a “brilliant jewel” has defined the Latin Church’s discipline without ever quite grappling with the complexities beneath the surface. Written as the Second Vatican Council’s fresh winds still blew through ecclesial corridors, the encyclical cast celibacy in exalted, almost mystical terms: a definitive sign of a priest’s total self-gift, a foretaste of heavenly communion and a service rendered unencumbered by earthly ties.

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