History Is Repeating Itself: Agatha Christie Petition 2.0
A letter signed by them appeared in The Times on 3 July.
The signatories argue in favour of the Mass because of its cultural and historical significance. They call it "a 'cathedral' of text and gesture, developing like those venerable buildings over many centuries".
They agree that not everyone appreciates its value, "and that is fine", but "to destroy it seems an unnecessary and insensitive act in a world where history can all too easily slip away into oblivion".
And: "The Old Rite's ability to promote silence and contemplation is a treasure that cannot be easily replicated and, once gone, cannot be reconstructed".
The letter explicitly echoed an appeal published in The Times of London in July 1971, which later led to the "Agatha Christie Indult".
Many of the signatories are not Catholic, several are Jewish. None have ever spoken out publicly against Francis.
The names include: Bianca Jagger (wife of Mick Jagger), Lord Lloyd-Webber (musical composer), Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (opera singer), Steven Isserlis (Jewish cellist), Princess Michael of Kent (member of the British Royal Family), Sir Andras Schiff (Jewish pianist), Tom Holland (historian), Lady Antonia Fraser (author) and Sir Paul Smith (fashion designer).
Other names from the British establishment include Tristram Hunt (Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum), Sir Nicholas Coleridge (Chairman of Historic Royal Palaces), Lord Stirrup (former Chief of the Defence Staff).
An accompanying article by Scottish composer Sir James McMillan explains that the Mass is a "jewel that must be treasured". He deplores the "petty, philistine authoritarianism" of the Vatican faction trying to ban it.
Picture: Compilation: Damian Thompson, #newsGiwmynyjdm
