Monday, April 28, 2025

Say No To The Unicorn

 



Do you remember SCOTUS declaring homosexual marriage a constitutional right? Sure you do, and TEC's General Convention roared in applause at the news, I know, I was there. At last, they cheered, same-sex marriage is an actual RIGHT. What does this mean, apart from degeneracy and the devolution of our judicial mind.




Let's be clear, being opposed to same-sex marriage is unconstitutional or something very like that. Well done Left, you positioned perverted sex into the same privileged status as race. Remarkable and almost unthinkable a decade or two ago. Yet here we are, and you'll note the Left and their pet judiciary haven't followed SCOTUS' decision to its absolutist conclusion. Why?




Because they're scared. As in we're gonna lock you up for being a hate bigot on account of saying no to homo marriage is a bridge too far. At least in the US, for the most part; the UK, Ireland? Maybe a different story. Whatever and imploding Net-Zero Europe aside, stand fast against Rainbow Stasi tyranny because if you don't it will gore you with its horn and beat you under its relentlessly thudding hooves.

The Compound calls open season no bag limit.

So Over The Rainbow,

LSP

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Find The Center - A Short Sunday Homily

 



En lieu of real-time thought on Doubting Thomas and today's Gospel, here's a blast from the LSP past, written for a UK mag in 2004. Bear in mind, I was ferociously young and pretty much fresh off the boat from London:


The English find America a very perplexing place; we arrive in the US expecting a kind of value-added United Kingdom, basically the same country, only far larger, richer and clothed with a different accent. At first we’re not disappointed, we can understand the customs official at the airport, decipher menus at restaurants and, as we expected, America is far larger and richer than Great Britain. 

So far so good, then everything goes terribly wrong. The visitor makes the mistake of looking for the ‘Town Centre’, and disaster strikes as they discover that there isn’t one, only highways connecting various malls and suburbs to office blocks. Feeling that they’re missing something, the tourist ventures ‘Downtown’ to ‘see the sights’, but of course there isn’t a Downtown, just an ersatz facsimile calling itself the ‘Historic District.’ 

The fact of the matter is that America isn’t a supercharged United Kingdom but a completely different country, one that’s been deconstructed to such an extent that it has little cohesion or cultural identity, there is no centre to it just as there’s no centre to most of its towns and cities. So, our visitor returns home puzzled, unsure of the place they’ve visited, because there is no surety to America in the way the English take for granted.

The Religious Tourist

This holds true for the Anglo-Catholic tourist. They arrive here expecting a different accent on something that is essentially the same, after all, the words are familiar, ‘FiF(NA)’, ‘Liberal’, ‘Catholic’, ‘Mass’. What they find instead is a whole new landscape, there is no ‘Catholic Movement’ in North America, at least not as the English expect. In place of a movement they discover decentralized Anglo-Catholic churches similar to the ubiquitous American shopping malls; whilst Anglo-Catholicism does exist, it has no centre, no common life and the English Catholic searches in vain to discover it. Not understanding this leads to confusion. 

The tourist asks, ‘Why isn’t there Alternate Episcopal Oversight in ECUSA? Why is there no ‘Catholic Group’ at the General Convention?’ Or, ‘I would have left long ago, why haven’t you all?’ For the simple reason there is no ‘you all’, there is no Movement, no overarching commonality of thought and action formed by Catholic first principles to make such things happen.

To this extent North American Anglo-Catholicism exists as a microcosm of the traditionalist movement in ECUSA. We see this in the wake of New Hampshire, who is in communion with whom and why? And if not with practising gay bishops, then why with those who support priestesses? No-one seems to know. 

The AAC summed the matter up at General Convention, telling us that the bishops in opposition to Gene Robinson would have different reactions, some would walk out only to return shortly, others would walk out on a more permanent basis and others more so again, all according as the Spirit moved them. 

The Spirit is clearly at work here to very different and contradictory ends. Dismayed, religious tourists make their way back to England with more than a little pessimism concerning their American cousins.

Is there a future?

As well they might. It seems to them that ECUSA traditionalists have shamelessly given themselves to ‘The National Church’; it is more to the point that they haven’t given themselves to each other. To return to Anglo-Catholicism, the reason there isn’t a potent Catholic voice in ECUSA is because Catholics haven’t worked together to build one. 

Having found their city centre torn down with the ordination of women in the 1970s, the Catholic fled to the isolation of the suburbs or existed splendidly but alone in the town centre. The question is, can this trend be reversed and is it a worthwhile exercise in its own right?

It would be exciting if the answer to this were ‘no’ but the reply to the second half of the question has got to be ‘yes’. It is always worthwhile to live and bring others to the Catholic Faith. Can this still be done in ECUSA? It seems that it can. 

Bishop Iker’s Mass is no less valid today than it was before Gene Robinson won his consents, and isolated but faithful priests confected the Sacrament before, during and after General Convention, they do so today. It is clearly the case that Catholicism, coterminous with Christianity itself, is still being practised within the boundaries of ECUSA. 

This isn’t just worthwhile, it’s heroic. But is it the case that this is no more than a brave rearguard action, ultimately doomed to failure? It’s tempting to agree that it is. But it’s a very good thing that the Bishop of Quincy doesn’t and awkwardly persists in building up his Catholic diocese. Even so, can the pattern of fragmentation and defeat that characterizes the Catholic Movement in America be turned around? Can the trend be reversed?

Despite appearances we must believe it can because the demolition of the city centre did not take place. What has happened is that members of the Church have fallen into error and schism, but the Church herself remains the same, wounded, yet standing nonetheless. 

This Church is the true centre towards which the Catholic looks and bases his life upon; she cannot be destroyed by General Conventions or Synods because she is too large for that, larger and more real than ECUSA, or even the all-pervasive secular culture of America itself. 

In realizing this, it falls to the Anglo-Catholic to proclaim the Faith militantly, to assert for Anglicanism in North America her rightful heritage as part of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Christ.

Rebuilding the Core

This is taking place, we see it in the Walsingham Festivals and the Festivals of Faith, in FIFNA, SSC and the Catholic Societies, perhaps above all in the thirst of the laity for teaching in the truths of the Faith. We see it in the reaction to Gene Robinson’s consecration, as disparate groupings of Anglicans move into greater cohesion and ultimately communion. Here we find ourselves on exciting ground as Christians of various ecclesial bodies discover their common sacramental unity and begin to put it into practice. 

Where this will lead is uncertain, but one thing is sure: the Anglo-Catholic tourist from England can return home in a happier state of mind. The Town Centre was there all along, only her citizens didn’t realize it, they are starting to now as the Church begins to move again and consecrations on ice, and the neo-pagan society that surrounds us are powerless to stop it. 

In this we have every reason for hope and confidence as we work to give back to the Church that which is rightfully hers, the Catholicism of which we are a part.


Kyrie Eleison, Lord have mercy, bold call Fr. LSP! You did, apparently, know everything at the grand old age of 35 (?). Ahem. But is the above youthful call to action all that wrong? 

In detail, perhaps yes, it turns out that ECUSA (Rainbow TEC) wasn't a viable place to practice the Faith, apologies to several friends who are still there. But rebuilding the 'centre', you would say "center," and the core of the Faith once delivered, holding fast to that, is such a thing misguided?

No, never. Holding fast to the truth, not least revealed, is not a waste of time, ever. On the contrary, it's the truth and the future. So never surrender.

Your Buddy,

LSP

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Happy Birthday Melania!

 



It's America's popular and glamorous First Lady's birthday today, and here at the Compound we're celebrating. Long may she reign, well into 2028. Do you remember the last iteration, Dr. Jill? Here, have a look:


simpering old  fraud

And then there was the Lightbringer's, ahem, wife, "Michelle." Don't say field negro  highly attractive. How fashion swooned over this beautiful example of elegant wymxnhood:


snout down inna trough

Was anyone fooled? Some were, the same people who tripled up on their vax 'n mask and called Trump a Kremlin agent. The very same people who told you to believe in The Science, all the while transing their kid. Coz biology has nothing to do with gender and if you think differently you're a literal Nazi. National Socialism aside, what d'ye think of 47's photo in the Eternal City with El Cocainsky?


come to Jesus

As you ponder this curious issue, do spare a thought for our longsuffering and beautiful First Lady.

Your Pal,

LSP

Friday, April 25, 2025

War Drums

 



You no sooner take a putative day off than two nuclear powers, Pakistan and India are at it, and then some. Maybe you've followed the story, which goes something like this. Pakistani Moslems went Jihad on Indian, Hindu, tourists in Kashmir. They killed quite a few, in a typical act of Moslem butchery.

India didn't like this and started bulldozing mosques, good call, take note Texas, and deporting Pakistanis. Sorry, Moslems, you've got to go. Pakistan didn't like this and has apparently  closed its airspace to India. Not to be outdone, India's closed the Indus dam to Pakistan, cutting off the radical Moslem country's water. Here endeth a 1960s treaty.




Pakistan, understandably annoyed by this, has called India's Indus gambit an "act of war." In fairness, it probably is. That in mind, who would win the war? India is far larger and has an equivalently larger deployable force. Both countries have, for some reason, nuclear weapons. Result?

Right on the very brink. Move over, Ukraine, you're yesterday's money-laundering scheme, here's a new thing. Hopefully calm heads will prevail. But here's a thought, why should a single American life be lost to defend the sovereignty of either of these two countries.




You can see why we ruled them. Skinner v. Probyn, what? Guinea on the monkey India takes it, and twice as fast.

Your Friend,

LSP

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Dam Hippies Stole My Sailboat

 


Yeah, you think they're friends, then they steal your dam boat.



Thieving frauds,

LSP

Marking Time

 



Marking time, here at the Compound. Do you remember the command? "Marking time. Mark time!" Quite the thing, stamp about like fury and there you have it. Parade square reminiscence aside, here's jolly old Procul Harum:




See you at the SAVAGE,

LSP

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Just Taking It Easy

 



Yes, in Dallas of all places. Part of this R&R involves setting up a clothes line, which is braggably Old Skool, and energizing a new cordless lawnmower, which is dismayingly Nu Skool. Onerous yard chores done, I ambled over to the "pub" and ordered a "Guinness."



Guess what, the Guinness was weak and cost 8 bucks. Welcome to the New World Order, my friends. Still, it made a change, so there is that. Next step? Read some sci-fi short stories, if they're rubbish they're at least short, and then? Grill chicken thighs. 40 minutes of indirect heat seems to do the trick.

Cheers,

LSP

Monday, April 21, 2025

Have You Ever Known Junkies?

 



Tempted by Mike_C, I offer this edifying infovid. BTW, have you ever known Junkies? I know some of you have, and what wretched people they are. Never tempted me, you'll be glad to know. Speaking of which, there was a time when I lived in South London.




Huh, far out, it seems like a dream.

Your Pal,

LSP

On The Other Side

 



Well that was a lot of fun. Spirited Easter Masses followed by the roast beef of Old Texas, Yorkshire pudding, carrots, roast potatoes, outrageously heavy English silver, Gerrards thank you very much, and general mahogany pounding all 'round. Great result, Christ has risen.

Then today. Wake up, amble downstairs and survey the kitchen. Marvel at the fact of its cleanliness. Yes, we cleared up after last night's celebration, make strong coffee and head out onto the back porch. Check the news on your phone and... lo and behold, the Pope's dead.

Well he was 88, to be fair, he also hated the Latin Mass and loved mass immigration into the West. I love the Latin Mass and hate mass immigration into the West, so we disagreed on that. But I won't bang on, may he rest in peace, even if he was a behind-the-times Vatican II empty the pew com/symp Liberation Theology Jesuit.




Who knows, maybe Ignatius Loyola will give him a stern talking to. And who knows who will succeed him? I don't and don't pretend to, though perhaps you do. Feel free to weigh in, no rule. In the meanwhile, leftover beef is being transformed into a beef and mushroom pie. Stand by for updates on this exciting culinary adventure.

Your Old Friend,

LSP

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Sorry I Missed Church

 



Just kidding. Prime rib's in the oven and medium rare's the way, is there any other way? Feel free to chime in, even though there is a rule.

Christus Surrexit,

LSP

Christ is Risen!

 



Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!


If any man be devout and love God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord. If any have labored long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense. If any have wrought from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If any have come at the third hour, let him with thankfulness keep the feast. If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; because he shall in nowise be deprived thereof. If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing. If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of his honor, will accept the last even as the first; He gives rest unto him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who has wrought from the first hour.


And He shows mercy upon the last, and cares for the first; and to the one He gives, and upon the other He bestows gifts. And He both accepts the deeds, and welcomes the intention, and honors the acts and praises the offering. Wherefore, enter you all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, both the first, and likewise the second. You rich and poor together, hold high festival. You sober and you heedless, honor the day. Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast. The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.


Enjoy ye all the feast of faith: Receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness. let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one weep for his iniquities, for pardon has shown forth from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Savior’s death has set us free. He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it. By descending into Hell, He made Hell captive. He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh. And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry: Hell, said he, was embittered, when it encountered Thee in the lower regions. It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked. It was embittered, for it was slain. It was embittered, for it was overthrown. It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains. It took a body, and met God face to face. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.


O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen. (St. John Chrysostom)


Almighty God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may, by thy life-giving Spirit, be delivered from sin and raised from death; through the same Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

God bless you all,

LSP

Saturday, April 19, 2025

We Love Clubland


We love Clubland a lot, here at the Compound. Look, a snapshot. I approached the NatLib's Porter, a Portugese Rhodesian, and foolishly said, "When on interview with the Royal Green Jackets years ago I was told, 'No more Rhodesians, it'll change the complexion of our unit.'" You see, after the Zimbabwe fiasco, RLI officers headed overseas and joined the RGJ and associates, which must have made the UK's light infantry strangely combat experienced. Regardless, thus spake Major MD in his office at the Winchester barracks and thank you very much.


You'll note, dear friends, that the same Major asked me some years before,  in Canterbury, "Can you, son of a Vicar, keep up with the boys in the Mess?" What a good question as we walked around the Green Court, and I assured him I could, falsely. Be that as it may, are we all not Rhodesians now? As in fighting the Leftist Leviathan against our replacement?"




Back to last April. I offered all of this to the Porter at the NatLib and he looked at me, with Porter wisdom: "That was a long time ago, sir." You see, he'd fought in the Bush War. Stout fellow, and off I went, somewhat shamefaced, into the dark of the Embankment. 



"Do you know," uttered a very close friend, "That he didn't want to talk about it?" I looked at her, "Yes. It is what it is. What next, shall we go to Lee Ho Phuk's, the French House or both? Your call."



We ended up in the magic that is the French House. Let the reader, all two of you, understand. Enough rambling. Holy Saturday to you all.

Space is Deep,

LSP