The Cause for GK Chesterton will not be opened, the Bishop of Northampton has said.
In a letter that was read out at the opening session of the American GK Chesterton Society conference, Bishop Peter Doyle wrote that he “recognise[d] Chesterton’s goodness and his ability to evangelise” but could not support the Cause any further.
“I am very conscious of the devotion to GK Chesterton in many parts of the world and of his inspiring influence on so many people, and this makes it difficult to communicate the conclusion to which I have come,” the bishop said.
“That conclusion is that I am unable to promote the cause of GK Chesterton for three reasons. Firstly, and most importantly, there is no local cult. Secondly, I have been unable to tease out a pattern of personal spirituality. And, thirdly, even allowing for the context of G K Chesterton’s time, the issue of anti-Semitism is a real obstacle particularly at this time in the United Kingdom.”
Full story at The Catholic Herald.
Just like Venerable Pius XII: Candidates for canonization must now be approved by the Sanhedrin.
‘cult’ required for canonization? The word must have a different meaning in UK. The Bishop’s other reasons also seen weak.
The sense of ‘cult’ of which you speak is a modern one and is not a difference between English usage in the U.S. and the U.K. For ages the term has been used by the Church to define a group of people especially devoted to a particular saint. The idea that a person needed a local cult — a local following as it were — to be considered a saint developed very early in the history of the Church. This from Encyclopedia.com: “CULT OF SAINTS . The cult of saints in the early Christian church began with the commemoration and veneration of the victims of persecution. The earliest forms of this veneration were part of the traditional funerary memoria of the dead. The inclusion of the names of martyrs in the liturgies of early Christian communities and the earliest celebrations of the anniversaries of martyrs, often observed at their tombs, rapidly gave rise to specific cults that went far beyond mere commemoration of the dead. The practice of petitions addressed to martyrs on behalf of the living arose out of the belief in the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body, and the high status accorded those who had died for the faith, and who, through their remains, remained physically present among the living. The acceptance of the intercessory role of the martyrs can be seen as early as the Passion of Saint Perpetua (early third century).”
As a personal devotion, I often say: Gilbert Keith Chesterton, pray for us.
I sometimes include Frances as well. There is a good argument they could be sainted together.
We have many “little saints” close to God, besides the great, big, canonized ones! Just souls of ordinary, but good Catholics– with no heroic deeds, no fancy spiritual life — and no “following,” or “cult” of devotees! They may even be a family member! I had a deaf uncle who was awakened one night by the “ghost” of his father to run put out a small fire! He saved his family, “miraculously!”
At other times, the offensive statements of some Saints were considered in light of the historical and cultural context of the times in which they lived. That is apparently no longer the case, at least in the case of one whom many commoners call the apostle of common sense. I just finished his novel, “The Flying Inn,” which is amazingly, and frighteningly, relevant today. Of course, The Everlasting Man and Orthodoxy are classics.
Deacon Anderson– Are you familiar with G.K
Chesterton’s alleged anti-Semitism?? I can’t find anything definite on this.
I’m part of a Chesterton Society reading group. Some in our group have expressed that concern. Yet, we’re all reading the same materials and Chesterton offends many groups by today’s standards. I can’t think of any specific examples. As an English Catholic writing a century ago, his remarks about Jews, Lutherans, Muslims, atheists and some of some other nationalities could easily be seen as offensive today and, if he were still writing today, I think he would have chosen more “appropriate” language. He has sympathetic things to say about pagans! His goal was to win the souls of his time. Sorry I can’t be more specific and helpful.
Deacon Anderson– Without an example to look at — it is kind of hard to get an understanding of Chesterton’s alleged prejudice. Others’ opinions are not necessary– I hoped for an example! Sounds like a lot of our saints may not have been models of Christian love! How about even Christ Himself– in His own day?? Confusing!
Here’s what Chesterton scholar Dale Ahlquist wrote: Chesterton was not anti-Semitic. A man who not only physically defended the Jews when they were attacked (read his Autobiography) but repeatedly spoke out against their persecution in Germany, in Russia, and in England, who said “The world owes God to the Jews,” and “I will die defending the last Jew in Europe,” should not have this poisonous epithet anywhere near his good name. I am pleased that the Bishop does not make the accusation, but he says that there is an “issue.” While Chesterton’s writings are amazingly fresh and vital, there is no question that he occasionally says things that are awkward by our modern standards of political correctness (and the Bishop makes this allowance as well). However, an issue being “sensitive” should not stand in the way of proceeding with the Cause. It simply needs to be dealt with honestly, fairly, courageously and charitably. In addition to the fact that there are many Jewish converts, drawn to the faith by none other than G.K. Chesterton, I wish to emphasize that there is not a wisp of hostility toward the Jews in our Apostolate. We are saddened when anyone repeats the falsehood that Chesterton was anti-Semitic.
Deacon Anderson– the “standards” of sensitivity to others in today’s society, are superficial– and highly politicized! There have been people of all times and of all cultures, who were very ordinary, and practiced authentic, Christ-like love and virtue. Some fought bravely against racial, ethnic, religious, and handicap slurs! Perhaps some of our saints were good with preaching and miracles– but not great at true, Christ-like brotherly love. Only God knows His true saints!
Long ago, when young, I recall learning all about the various kinds of saints– and all the different degrees of sanctity. St. Francis of Assisi was said to have been the most Christ-like saint. All of this material was set aside, after Vatican II. And saint-making rules were changed. I then wondered, if saint-making had more to do with criteria of certain eras. Still not sure! Only God knows the true saints!
Even if Chesterton is not made a Catholic saint, he may still possess enough sanctity to help us, on Earth! There are many just like him– we are blessed to have them, among our Communion of Saints!
After browsing through some of Chesterton’s works at the library– I clearly see the anti-Semitic issue! He wrote from a secular, worldly, intellectual viewpoint– bringing in religion at times, yet always in an intellectual way; he was not pious and devotional. He harshly criticised the Jews. Yet, he did not mean evil towards them, and spoke out against Hitler! Chesterton was a very great writer– but he was intellectual and worldly — with (I think) hidden sanctity.
Some good reflections! Of course, sainthood is not limited to the canonized. And, it seems we should remember that Chesterton began his secular journalism career before he was a practicing Christian and became a Catholic only years later. All saints (and Saints) have a past and every sinner has a future. We all have the the opportunity, by the grace of God, to grow in sanctity. Even Saint Paul persecuted some Jews, like my brother deacon Saint Stephen, the proto-martyr!
This will help Anon. An entire issue on the subject:
https://www.chesterton.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Gilbert_12.2-3-FREE-DOWNLOAD.pdf
Deacon Anderson– did Chesterton ever publcly made amends for the Jewish criticisms in his earlier works?? Perhaps that is the problem, for some. Anyway– at the library, I got some of his books. I always enjoyed the BBC “Father Brown” mysteries, too! He was primarily a secular writer– who also shared his Catholic faith, on very intellectual terms.Where is his possible sainthood — a state of rare holiness—:revealed?? Any healing miracles??
‘A Report on My Anti-Semitism’ by G.K. Chesterton, Pgs 8-10 in the above Link.
Hymie– thanks for both your posts! I will enjoy reading this information! I got some of Chesterton’s Catholic religious books, to start off with, at the library!
Deacon Anderson– I am used to reading theological or devotional works by intellectual saints, who after they are done with beautiful, intelligent, theological writing– delve iinto the wonders of God’s great beauty, love, and glory, in deep, poetic, emotional terms. They are deeply in love with Christ and with God! Of course– Chesterton made his living, as a primarily secular writer–. but his holiness, beyond that, sounds wonderful!
The foundation of Christ’s ministry was love of God and neighbor– and to see and serve Him in all, no matter who they are. Christ loved, taught, helped, and healed Jews and non-Jews– everyone! There have been many, clerics and laymen, rch and poor, educated and illiterate, throughout the centuries, who have followed Christ in this way, defying rules of their societies, to love and serve Christ in all– even the most “despised” of their societies! Some became Saints!
Hymie– I did read the info. you provided! Like all others in his profession, Chesterton loved to rudely critique everyone and everything– like a “sport,” but not serious– certainly, not “hateful!” Most critics who write scathing, opinionated intellectual critiques of politics, current issues, art, literature, music, drama, fashion, food and wine (etc.) are very sophisticated, urbane, pompous, cynical and snarky! Yet, really– they “hate” no one! But people can get very hurt by them! (Trump does this, too– in a far more crude way!– but he “hates” no one!) Anyway– Chesterton was a great writer!