Dear Chairman of the Trust,

We, the undersigned, petition the Prior Park Educational Trust to proactively release and repatriate all sacred relics, historical religious artifacts, ecclesiastical wear, religious vessels, and human remains historically tied to the Catholic faith, returning them entirely to the custody of the Catholic Church.

We explicitly note that it is the Trust itself that initiated this process by filing Form 77. By actioning this formal procedure, the Trust demonstrated a clear, firsthand understanding of the scope of this undertaking. It is therefore undeniable that the Trust was fully aware from the outset of the specific actions, responsibilities, and ethical obligations required to fulfill this process completely.

While we acknowledge that this transfer may not be a strict legal requirement under current property or heritage laws, we firmly believe that returning these items is a profound ethical, moral, and societal duty. Furthermore, given that the Trust willingly set this process in motion, we call upon the Trust to bear all logistical and financial costs of this transfer as a gesture of goodwill, reconciliation, and civic responsibility.

Why This Is Vital for Our Community ?

• Preserving Spiritual Integrity and Dignity of the Deceased: Relics and human remains are not merely museum pieces, archaeological curiosities, or decorative features of a historic landscape. In Catholic tradition, they are sacred testimonies of faith and the remains of individuals destined for resurrection. They belong in a consecrated environment managed by the Church, where they can be treated with the distinct religious reverence they deserve.

• A Universal Principle for All Faiths: This is fundamentally an ethical request rooted in universal human dignity and deep respect for sacred heritage. Standing up for the integrity of these Catholic remains and artifacts sets a vital community standard—it is a principle of spiritual stewardship that would be equally supportive of, and championed for, any other faith community seeking to protect their own sacred dead and religious assets from secularisation.

• The Obligation of Full Exhumation: Resting within the Errington Corridor of what was the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows are the remains of foundational Catholic figures. Fulfilling this process completely means the Trust must facilitate the full, respectful exhumation of those interred here. This includes, but is not exclusively limited to:

                • Archbishop George Errington (d. 1886)

                • Bishop William Clifford (d. 1893)

                • Monsignor Edward Williams (d. 1891), President of Prior Park College

Leaving these revered figures behind while stripping away the chapel’s purpose is an unacceptable half-measure.

• Securing Holy Relics and Sacred Furnishings: Beyond human remains, the chapel site encompasses an entire ecosystem of sacred, consecrated spiritual assets. Leaving altar stones containing saintly relics or dispersing liturgical items into secular hands constitutes a profound desecration of their intended purpose.

• Accountability for Initiated Actions: Because the Trust chose to file Form 77, it did not stumble into this situation by accident. The Trust possessed full knowledge of the history, the sacred assets involved, and the steps necessary to see this matter through to an honourable conclusion. Walking away or shifting the burden onto the Church undermines the very process the Trust started.

Our Clear Demand

We respectfully request that the Prior Park Educational Trust immediately honour the process it initiated and engage in an open dialogue with Clifton Diocese authorities to:

1. Identify and thoroughly inventory all Catholic sacred assets currently held on or within the demise of what was the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows. This inventory must comprehensively encompass, but is not exclusively limited to:

                • The saintly relics embedded in every Altar

                • All religious vessels and ceremonial wears

                • All sanctuary furnishings and liturgical appointments

                • All non-fixed ornamentation and historical religious artifacts

                • The burial vaults of Archbishop Errington, Bishop Clifford, Monsignor Williams, and any others interred on the property.

2. Agree and arrange for a full, legally compliant faculty and dignified exhumation, alongside the safe transfer of custody of all inventoried sacred assets and remains to the Catholic Church.

3. Absorb the necessary financial costs associated with the excavation, exhumation, secure transport, and return of these sacred assets, fully completing the objectives set in motion by the Trust's own filing.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for historical justice, religious respect, and a community standard that values ethical stewardship, interfaith solidarity, and organisational accountability over strict legal ownership.

 

 

 

Legal Disclaimer
1. Purpose and Non-Legal Material
This petition is organized by Save PPChapel for the sole purpose of public advocacy, community expression, and ethical engagement. The contents of this petition—including all text, claims, and references to "Form 77" or other administrative procedures—are intended for informational and campaigning purposes only. They do not constitute formal legal advice, a binding legal opinion, or a formal legal notice to the Prior Park Educational Trust or any other party.
2. Accuracy of Information and Signatory Liability
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the statements within this petition at the time of drafting, the organiser(s) make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the absolute legal completeness or accuracy of the background context. By signing this petition, signatories are expressing their personal, moral, and ethical support for the campaign. Signatures do not create any legal relationship, financial liability, or joint legal responsibility between the signatories, the organisers, or the Trust.
3. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by the laws of England and Wales, the organiser(s) of this petition accept no liability for any loss, damage, or legal consequences arising directly or indirectly from the use of, reliance on, or publication of this petition text, or from the submission of signatures.
4. Data Protection and GDPR Compliance
By providing your name, email address, and postcode, you consent to "Save PPChapel" collecting and processing your data solely for the administration of this petition and to verify genuine community support. Your data will be handled securely in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal details will not be sold, shared for marketing purposes, or disclosed to third parties, except when the final verified list of signatories is presented to the Chairman of the Prior Park Educational Trust.