Westminster Cathedral : Martin Baker resigned

[Miles Coverdale]

Vincent Nichols was on R4's Today programme, near the end.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000h25b

Good point: He said that Mass would be said every day in RC churches by the priest. (As opposed to Anglican churches which it was implied have been shut...even to their incumbents.)

Less good point: He seemed less keen to respond to the interviewer and more keen to air theological dogma...and the bit I found particularly distasteful was the likeneing of Christ's 'suffocation' on the cross to the death by suffocation of Covid victims. No doubt his faith makes him see things rather differently from little old me.

I assume that Anglican clergy will still be celebrating the eucharist, albeit privately. Catholic churches are as closed to the public as Anglican ones are, so the intention is the same, even if the location may be different.

On your second point, it seems there is no situation into which people like Nicholls will not insinuate their wretched dogma.

[Vox Humana]

I'm assuming this letter, as sad as it is damning, is genuine.

https://twitter.com/holysmoke/status/1303751344445161475

[Finzi4ever]

I'm assuming this letter, as sad as it is damning, is genuine.
https://twitter.com/holysmoke/status...51344445161475

We have no reason to doubt it. It is remarkably measured in its tone in the circumstances and all the more powerful for it.

[DracoM]

Crikey! So rumours, suspicions etc which had hitherto seemed to be mainly whispers in the dark, now seem to be actually WORSE than suggested.

[Keraulophone]

That account is truly shocking to read.

Martin Baker must have been at his wit’s end long before he felt his only option was to leave.

[Chris Watson]

I remember the last Mass that Nichols celebrated at the Cathedral, after his move from London to Birmingham had been confirmed, and Cormack Murphy-O'Connor had been appointed (it was no secret that VN desperately wanted the top job). CM-O'C had a reputation (justly or unjustly, I don't know) for (let's call it) the less traditional music of the Catholic liturgy and there was no small amount of apprehension about the choir's future. As it turned out, he may or may not have liked what we did but no big changes were forthcoming and he was always charming and supportive when one bumped into him backstage. In the Chapter House, after the closing prayers of the Mass I mentioned a moment ago, Nichols turned to us and said "Gentlemen, good luck". He has since totally betrayed all that is wonderful about that place.

[Lordgeous]

Sad, sad, sad...

[DracoM]

[Lordgeous]

Does anyone know where Martin Baker is now?

[Resurgam]

Does anyone know where Martin Baker is now?

I wonder how the Choir Schools Association views all this?

They must, surely, take some sort of action in view of the treatment of the choristers and their parents by the school and the cathedral.

[Magister Chori]

WCC is now recruiting Martin Baker's successor:

https://jobs.rcdow.org.uk/master-of-music-westminster-cathedral/

[cat]

Does anyone know where Martin Baker is now?

According to his profile page at Downing College, Cambridge where he is an Honorary Fellow, "he is now enjoying life as a freelance organist and conductor".

[DracoM]

WCC is now recruiting Martin Baker's successor:

https://jobs.rcdow.org.uk/master-of-...ter-cathedral/

But will there be a queue? Given how the Cardinal treated Mr Baker - a treatment which resounded through the profession?

[oddoneout]

But will there be a queue? Given how the Cardinal treated Mr Baker - a treatment which resounded through the profession?

Their field of applicants might not be quite what they are used to? Then again these are strange times so who knows.

[Pulcinella]

Their field of applicants might not be quite what they are used to? Then again these are strange times so who knows.

There might be lots of former ballerinas who have undergone retraining.
At least they might be able to lead the cardinal on a merry dance!