SECRECY surrounds three Anglican churches in the borough which have reportedly decided to join a new branch of Catholicism - but are yet to tell their superiors of the move.

This week the Catholic Diocese of Brentwood announced that six congregations in the UK - including one in Leytonstone and two in Walthamstow - were definitely going to join its 'Ordinariate' grouping.

The new branch, which was first announced in 2009, is being established for disillusioned Anglicans following rows over issues such as women bishops, gay clergy, and same-sex blessings.

But the Church of England says it is not aware of any decision having been made by the three churches and that no priests in Waltham Forest have yet resigned.

Meanwhile the diocese of Brentwood has refused to release the names of the churches or the clergymen who are involved.

In October 2009, clergy at St Margaret's in Woodhouse Road, Leytonstone, St Michael's in Palmerston Road, Walthamstow, and St Saviour's in Markhouse Road, Walthamstow, all spoke to the Guardian expressing their interest in the idea.

But now Father Rob Page, of St Margaret's, said he could not discuss the issue, while vicars at the other churches have been unavailable for comment.

Rev Page said: "We're not doing interviews at the moment and I can't talk about it."

A spokesman for the Anglican diocese of Chelmsford, which covers Waltham Forest, said: "There have been media reports about people thinking about making the move but until anyone resigns we can't talk about anything until it's known factually.

"No moves have been made."

In a statement, the Bishop of Chelmsford, The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, said he was "saddened" that some were contemplating leaving his church.

He added: “The Church of England is a broad church and we’re getting broader at the moment as we embrace the ministry of women as priests and bishops, and therefore of course I’m sorry that some people can’t share that with us.”

A spokesman for the Catholic diocese of Brentwood said the transfers were being made for "reasons of conscience".

He added: "moving from one Christian denomination to another is nothing new. The denominations are not in competition but dealing with what may be a helpful shift of emphasis in a person’s spiritual journey in a way that is pastorally sensitive."

Mary Huntington, a spokeswoman for the diocese, said: "The Anglican priests will resign from their parishes in March at the beginning of Lent. Until then we cannot release their names."

It has not yet been decided where the new congregations will worship.

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