The Ad Orientem Debate

I have read a post on the blog of Fr Ed Tomlinson, who is an Ordinariate Priest in Kent, on the subject of facing East.  Five years ago, he took over the church of St Anselm in Pembury which during the week served as a hall and consequently only had the most basic of altars.  Unsurprisingly it was used ad populum.

Gradually, a sancturary has been created with a new more dignified altar, lectern, pulpit and now choir stalls.  Because of very limited space, the new, larger altar was installed for ad orientem use.  The altar rails, altar steps and a fine reredos are shortly to be installed.

Father Tomlinson has commented that there was hardly a ripple of objection to the change to ad orientem.  He also states that whilst these changes have been taking place, the average of the congregation has got younger, and their contributions have gone up.  What better recommendation could one hope for!