Re: Vatican talks over Anglican plan

[jonny]

WhiteWolf! <rayh<spam>@iol.ie> wrote:
> The Archbishop of Canterbury has met the Pope in Rome amid tensions over the
> Vatican's offer to welcome disenchanted Anglicans into the Catholic fold.
>
> Pope Benedict's proposal would allow Anglicans to convert while preserving many
> of their traditions and practices.
>
> The archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams, has said he does not believe the initiative
> will harm relations.
>
> However, some Anglicans have accused the Pope of interfering at a sensitive time
> for the Church of England.
>
> The Vatican says its invitation came in response to pleas from Anglicans unhappy
> about the creation of women bishops.
>
> BBC religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott said: "Dr Williams says he
> accepts it was not intended to poach clergy or undermine relations.
>
> 'No unity'
>
> "But he will go into his meeting with Pope Benedict knowing the nature of that
> relationship has changed. The Roman Catholic Church has all but given up on the
> idea of unity with Anglicans."
>
> Dr Williams has signalled that he would like to build a new relationship,
> emphasising shared fundamental beliefs rather than "negative" secondary issues
> such as women clergy, our correspondent added.
>
> Another cause of discord in the worldwide Anglican communion has been the
> election of an openly gay bishop and the blessing of same-sex unions.
>
> Under the terms of the Pope's proposed Apostolic Constitution, groupings of
> Anglicans would be able to join "personal ordinariates".
>
> This would allow them to enter full communion with the Catholic Church, but also
> preserve elements of the Anglican traditions including the possible use of
> Anglican prayer books.
>
> The first English clergy could convert early next year.
>
> Story from BBC NEWS:
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/8371807.stm
>

I'm off to join the Methodists or even the Presbyterians!