Former Anglican clergy make up a third of new Catholic priests in Britain

St Mary's Campus, Twickenham

Source: Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary's University

New research from the Benedict XVI Centre for Religious, Ethics and Society at St Mary's University, London, has provided a comprehensive account of Anglican clergy who have entered into full communion with - or "converted" into - the Catholic Church in Britain. More than 700 former Anglican clergy and religious in Britain have become Catholics since 1992, including 16 former Anglican bishops.

Former Anglican clergy make up a third of new Roman Catholic priests in Britain. The St Barnabas Society report studies the period from 1992, when the General Synod voted in favour of the ordination of women to the priesthood, to 2024

The report summarises the findings of a research project commissioned in 2019 by the St Barnabas Society, a charity that continues the work of the Converts Aid Society, established in 1896. It was produced in partnership with researchers at the Benedict XVI Centre for Religion, Ethics and Society, whose UK base is at St Mary's University, Twickenham. Published on 20 November, it recognises the "substantial ongoing contribution to Catholic life made by convert clergy/religious in this country."

The new research, which features a foreword from St Mary's Chancellor HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols, is titled 'Convert Clergy in the Catholic Church in Britain: The Role of the St Barnabas Society', was produced by Prof Stephen Bullivant, Fernanda Mee, and Janet Mellor. Funded by the St Barnabas Society, the project explores the personal, pastoral and institutional experiences of these ex-Anglican clergy. It also explores the broader historical and sociological context over the past three decades.

Conducted over several years, the project brought together qualitative data, including interviews with 36 participants, which included bishops, clergy, religious and spouses. It also draws on published accounts, archival records and statical information to present a fuller picture of this less explored aspect of contemporary Church life.

Prof Stephen Bullivant, Director of the Benedict XVI Centre, and Professor of Theology and the Sociology of Religion at St Mary's University, said: "This research offers new insights into an important yet understudied area of Christian life in Britain. It highlights both the personal stories and the wider dynamics shaping clergy transitions between communities."

The report includes the role of the St Barnabas Society, which has supported clergy and religious making such transitions for more than a century, and provides a valuable resource for scholars of religion, Church history, and contemporary faith communities.

LINK

Full report available via the Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary's University: www.stmarys.ac.uk/research/centres/benedict-xvi/docs/convert-clergy-report.pdf