The Pope’s latest encyclical does not stand alone. Rather it is only the most recent addition to the corpus of Roman Catholic social doctrine. Catholic social doctrine, a tool of the Papacy, has been and is being carefully honed and directed toward gaining both spiritual and temporal control over all nations.

download PDF

Prof. John Coekin; Rt Rev Dr David Samuel;

Prof. Douglas Spanner;

Graham Webster-Gardiner

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008

“… precious unto the Lord is the death of His saints.” [Ps 116:15]

“Male Priests Marry in Anglican Church’s First Gay Wedding” was a headline in the June 15th Daily Telegraph. This blasphemous and deeply offensive travesty of a “wedding service,” which was conducted in the Anglo-Catholic church of St. Bartholomew the Great, at Smithfield, was closely modelled on the Church of England marriage service. It clearly and deliberately flouts the Church’s guidelines, apparently seeking to exacerbate differences within the Anglican Communion. It was surely an abomination in the eyes of our God.

It has been estimated that forty-five faithful servants of Christ, including John Rogers (translator of the Matthew Bible), John Bradford and John Philpot, were burnt for heresy in Smithfield between 1555 and 1558, during the Marian persecution. They chose to burn in denying “the real presence” as well as the re-sacrificing of Christ in Holy Communion; and also in refusing to acknowledge the Pope as the “Holy Father” and “Vicar of Christ on earth.” In March 1849, during the excavation of a drain at a depth of three feet, immediately opposite to the entrance of the church of St. Bartholomew the Great, workmen laid open a mass of unhewn stones, blackened as if by fire and covered with ashes and human bones, charred and partially consumed. [Will We Remember Them booklet pp.4 - 5]

With God there are no coincidences. He cares deeply about his martyrs, who gave their lives to uphold His truth; and He cares about their legacy to us. As the Church of England struggles for unity it needs to be reminded of these its own martyrs and just why they were led to die for Christ. They all believed that sound doctrine was worth dying for; being convinced that the Scriptures are, unlike Catholic dogma and tradition, inerrant and infallible.

The crisis in the worldwide Anglican Communion continues to widen. The Church is increasingly divided by the rebellion against the Word of God and the 39 Articles of Religion, which began in North America with practising homosexual bishops. Division is intensifying with the internal disputes and debates over the consecration of women bishops.

Much needed leadership was not provided by the July Lambeth Conference which accomplished very little to restore communion on either of the two fractious issues. Rowan Williams, the Primate to whom all would have liked to look for a lead, ended the Conference by calling for “space to study.” Unfortunately the Archbishop has forfeited his authority by equivocating and vacillating right from the beginning of the homosexual revolt in North America in 2003. He and others have failed to exercise discipline in the face of this blatant heterodoxy. Prominent in the press after Lambeth was a reminder that the Archbishop, when he was Archbishop of Wales, had expressed his belief that, “same sex marriages might reflect the love of God in a way comparable to marriage.”

Given that this is the Archbishop of Canterbury’s now publicised view, it seems very unlikely that any disciplinary action will be taken against Rev. Martin Dudley, the defiant rector of St. Bartholomew the Great, by the Bishop of London or by anyone else.

In response to the alarming downgrade within the Anglican Communion, GAFCON, the Global Anglican Future Conference, which met in Jerusalem at the end of June, majored on sound doctrine. The Jerusalem Declaration, the GAFCON statement, testified to the determination of GAFCON to underline the doctrinal basis of Anglicanism (The Holy Scriptures, The 39 Articles of Religion and Canon A5); and to combat the “different gospel” that is accepted and promoted within the provinces of the Anglican Communion. The different gospel, contrary to the apostolic Gospel, seems to have referred to the unscriptural beliefs and practices of the liberals in the Church. However, the GAFCON gathering included Anglo-Catholics and the final communion service was reported to include “the elevation of the host and some distinctly unreformed liturgy.” Surely the different gospel (“another gospel” -: (Galatians 1:6 KJV) applies to Anglo-Catholics just as it applies to liberals.

Anglo-Catholicism’s founder, and Roman Catholic Saint-in-the-making, Cardinal Newman, is to be re- interred in a much a grander grave, in Birmingham Oratory. The Vatican’s “Causes of Saints” wants his remains to be moved “to where he can be better venerated” (i.e. to establish another shrine) and our Ministry of Justice has agreed. The exhumation will take place before his beatification—expected in December—which according to The Times, “could coincide with an announcement of a new deal for English traditionalists who want to ‘go over’ to Rome with their congregations in protest at moves to consecrate women bishops in the Church of England.” Newman’s corpse, wearing the vestments of a Catholic priest will be photographed and “major relics” from the body—such as fingers—will be sent to the Vatican so that pilgrims can pray before them (!)

Another thrust in the now rapid, re-Romanising of Britain process (“the return to mediaeval Catholicism”) is revealed by the announcement of plans for a statue of the “Blessed Virgin Mary” which is to be unveiled in London on October 13th 2009. The Statue, called “Mary Most Holy,”* will stand, alongside the river Thames at Chelsea embankment, on the land which was once owned by Lord Chancellor “Saint” Thomas More, who may also be in line for a shrine. In fact on this very land in his garden at his “tree of truth” this “man for all seasons” personally flogged and tortured “heretics”—those guilty of studying the Scriptures and holding to purely Protestant doctrines.

Those who, like Thomas Bilney and James Bainham, were steadfast in the truth, Thomas More sentenced to be burnt. The Protestant Reformation and its “iconoclasm” is coming under increasing attack and condemnation. For example, in The Times: The Destructiveness of the Protestant Revolt: -“From 1536 (the coming to power of Thomas Cromwell) to the death of Oliver Cromwell (1658) iconoclasts went on a frenzy of destruction.” “Reparations” taking the form of idolatrous statues and shrines, in Chelsea and Birmingham, and probably elsewhere, are what are required by the emboldened Church of Rome.

History has revealed that wherever Popery has been most prevalent or dominant, the light of the Gospel has been most successfully suppressed, and spiritual darkness manifested in superstition and idolatry has resulted. It is evident that we are heading that way. We need with urgency to redouble our efforts to share the gospel, confront error, and contend earnestly for the faith once given to the saints.

“Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has set us free and be ye not entangled with the yoke of bondage” [Galatians 5:1]

*This description of the Catholic goddess, the Virgin Mary, was upgraded by the Pope in Australia in his address to the “young people of the world.” To them he described her as the “All Holy One” [see new booklet World Youth Day – Pope Teaches Counterfeit of The Trinity—see Literature List.

Visit us at http://www.reformationfaith.com

Approximately six million people pilgrims a year visit the shrine at Lourdes where Mary is venerated. The celebrations of the 150^th anniversary of the claimed apparitions of Mary at the site just recently took place there in September ’08. The climax of the festivities was the Pope’s presence to worship Mary and honor the young peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, who was alleged to have heard directly from Mary. Very few Christians have ever analyzed the essence of the message of Lourdes. This we have done in the article below. It especially important for a correct analysis to be understood since many are fascinated with the happenings at Lourdes. I ask that you forward the article to Catholics whom you think would be interested. And please send it to other Christians across the nation and overseas. I request also, if possible, that you post it on your Webpage.

Trusting only in the Lord’s Gospel of grace,

Richard Bennett
download PDF

None, but the Lord God, could have described beforehand, office of the Pope and Papacy. Man could never have anticipated the Papacy only God foretells it. That a power claiming to act for God, to be “as God,” in the midst of the Christian Church, flouting His truth and mocking His own Holiness, defies imagination. Yes, a fraudulent sacramental system and false pretenses have ruled the world for ages from the very same seven-hilled city where the pagan Roman Empire once ruled by military force. None the less we trust the Lord of Grace to save many precious Catholics from this system. All the powers of darkness and apostasy cannot shake the Lord God’s power and promises, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” We pray for and expect a display of His love power and grace as this DVD is viewed, to His glory and for the salvation of souls. If you personally are touched by it, please let us know.

A Catholic believes that the message of the early church and the Catholic church is the same.  However, the salvation message proclaimed by the Apostles Peter, Paul, and John, and the early believers was that of grace through faith.  It was not salvation in any church but in the person of in Jesus Christ the Lord.  Many Bible believers have not really analyzed the history of the early church.  It is therefore of great importance to study the history and message of the early church.  This is done in this documented professional DVD.  Kindly make this DVD known to others, and we would appreciate your comments on the website as it is posted.

£10 including p&p (£8 each for 10 or more copies)
Prices include postage and packing (U.K. only)
Dorchester House Publications
P.O. Box 67, Rickmansworth, Herts., England WD3 5SJ
Telephone 01923 286080

To purchase this title in the United States, please contact Lynn at:
Berean Beacon
P.O. Box 192
Del Valle, TX 78617 USA
info@bereanbeacon.org

- – -
Reviews:

In 24th November 2006 edition of “English Churchman”
Rev Peter J. Ratcliff

It is no exaggeration to say that we would like everybody to read this book. If it were heeded there would perhaps be a new reformation throughout the world.

Why do we make such bold remarks? Michael de Semlyen has brought together in this remarkable book several doctrines that have been so distorted that the church has become very weak. The main areas he addresses are the doctrine of the end times, the text and translation of the Bible, and Arminianism. So what is the link between them? Mr. de Semlyen very carefully shows the historical background of three major heresies and shows them all to originate with the Papacy’s desire to destroy the Protestant Reformation. Hence we have the roots of apostasy. The book really deserves a careful reading, a fuller review, and to be the basis of further articles and discussion. However, we were keen to note the existence of this book as soon as possible so that readers may obtain a copy, or preferably as many copies as they can afford to distribute. One of our first thoughts on reading the book was that it was most profound and perhaps not suitable for a young believer. However, if the reader had a real desire for truth and was not content to be ignorant of our Christian history then the book will be a great help in preventing him falling into the apostasy that we see outlined in our back page article in this edition of “English Churchman.”

- – -

In 21st December 2007 edition of “English Churchman”
Rt Revd Dr J Barry Shucksmith Royal Navy (Rtd)

Those who already have a copy of Michael de Semlyen’s earlier book (1991) ALL Roads LEAD TO ROME? – The Ecumenical Movement – will greatly value this latest book which deals with such subjects as, the historical view of prophecy, futurism, dispensationalism, the Antichrist revealed in Holy Scripture, Islam in
prophecy, the seventy Weeks of Daniel, the secret Rapture, the Authorised Bible and modern Versions, the Counter Reformation, Arminianism, revival and Revivalists, the “Solas” of protestant faith, true and false Ecumenism, Evangelicals and Catholics together, and the priority of adhering to Biblical Doctrine in all matters. Clearly, this work comes very near to being a compendium, or anthology, for our times. When I recently acquired a copy, I could not put it down. I virtually read the whole book in one sitting. And it is the kind of book which can be picked up and re-read again and again, always with additional spiritual profit. Like the Arctic explorer’s food, it’s a mighty meal in a small package! Apostasy can be defined as, “a deliberate repudiation and abandonment of the faith that one has professed (Hebrews 3:12). A heretic denies some aspect of the Christian faith but may return to orthodoxy, as Peter did following his denial of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the New Testament warns us about the greater seriousness of apostasy. It tells us that there will be a rise of apostasy in the church towards the end time, culminating in the appearance of the man of sin (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 2:3). It also gives stark reference to the eternal consequences of falling away altogether from the faith (Hebrews 6:5-8; 10:26). Despite the comfort and assurance of “the perseverance of the saints” and “God’s eternal election in Jesus Christ,” we need to sit up and take note. These verses in Holy Scripture are not given by Almighty God for nothing.

Mr de Semlyen’s latest book is structured around three main parts -
1. History and Prophecy
2. The King James Bible and Modern Versions
3. Arminianism – a man-centred gospel.

An Epilogue is also included, which has some of the richest and most profitable material in it -
(a) Notes from a former Charismatic to Christians in the Charismatic Movement,
(b) Papal Rome and the EU,
(c) the Foundations under attack: the Roots of Apostasy,
(d) the Monarchy in peril,
(e) How understanding the doctrine of election changed my life – a personal testimony.

There is no doubt, modern evangelicals are not like the “old evangelicals”. Many of them have been seduced by Rome. They make the mistake of thinking that Vatican II changed everything. In fact, when Pope John Paul II visited Great Britain he celebrated all the seven sacraments. Pope Benedict XVI also reflects true Rome, and does not hide the fact, Rome never changes. Rome believes all other churches are not true churches. All protestant ministers, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, are really “lay ministers” and the Bible is not adequate for proving doctrine. For this, we need centuries of tradition, some of it sound, but most of it heretical. In reality, she still rejects all of the protestant “solas” especially “salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone”. The real good news of the Roman Catholic Church is Confession, Absolution, and the Mass. The priests (tragically) think they can complete the
sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. If you believe this is O.T.T., visit your local RC Church and look at the noticeboard. Contrary to the revealed Christian gospel, without the priestly sacraments, we will die in our sins. The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church does not hide these facts. But, a contemporary,
experienced-centred, biblically-illiterate evangelicalism, has lost the ability to discern between truth and error. Many evangelical Anglicans today would have difficulty even locating the time-honoured and highly relevant 39 Articles of Religion, which still have power to negate contemporary Roman claims. They
would not be able to point to the anti-Roman, pro-biblical doctrines of the Book of Common Prayer, assuming they have seen a copy of the BCP. As for the Authorised Version of the Holy Scriptures, only Shakespeare seems to keep them alive. At least, this proves we can still understand and profit from them. How sad, yet how true, that Michael de Semlyen has to use the illustration of Archbishop George Carey (a former Anglican evangelical) when it comes to a lifelong desire for reunion with Rome. Surely, it is time we asked some serious questions. Are evangelicals evangelical any longer? Are they not really charismatics putting unity above truth? Is Rome even Christian? Were the English Reformers not right then in claiming the papacy to be antiChrist? Are there not still Jesuits in all walks of life who use the Ecumenical Movement to promote the primacy of the apostate bishop of Rome? Did the Jesuits not really “invent” futurism to sidetrack true believers from identifying antichrist and the man of sin”? So what do we make then of the outstanding biblical scholar, High Church Bishop of Lincoln, Christopher Wordsworth? Was he deluded on Rome, the Papacy, and the Book of Revelation? Hell is real. Satan is frantically spreading his work of damnation. Apostasy is a growing reality. Liberalism has control of most of the denominations. Evangelicalism is in serious danger. Our Nation, morally and spiritually bankrupt, is but a hair’s-breadth from surrendering to Rome. Our previous Prime Minister is about to convert. Traditional Anglicans are seeking a practical way forward with Pope Benedict. Nonconformists, and some Anglicans, have already travelled to Orthodoxy. Yet, this present Pope has his sights on settling the age-old controversy between East and West. The threat of militant Islam could well drive many back into the arms of Rome. Even some leading Protestants, like Dr Packer and others, have joined arms and become Catholics and Evangelicals Together. Pentecostalism, with its obsession in terms of mysticism and the supernatural, is already knocking on the door of St Peter’s. As for the E.U. it is patently destroying our once Great Britain. It would be a brave man indeed to say that the Vatican has no major influence behind the scenes. Men like Michael de Semlyen are rare. They are like John Baptist, ‘a voice crying in the wilderness’. But the message is faithful – I’ve lived through the seismic change. The earthquake took place at Keele (1967). It has simply taken 40 years for the Tsunami to reach us. The foundations are under attack. The catastrophe is almost upon us. What will the reader do? Sailors read daily orders and do lifeboat drill, so when the ship is holed, they confidently handle the crisis. Any takers?

- – -

These two reviews first appeared in The English Churchman, a fortnightly Protestant Newspaper. For further details see www.englishchurchman.org.