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What will the Vatican talks achieve?
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope have agreed to seek closer relations between Anglicans and Catholics at a meeting in Rome.
It follows tensions over the Vatican's offer to welcome disenchanted Anglicans into the Catholic fold.
The Vatican says the proposal to allow Anglicans to convert came in response to pleas from Anglicans unhappy about the creation of women bishops.
However, some Anglicans have accused the Pope of interfering at a sensitive time for the Church of England.
What is your reaction to the Vatican's proposal? Will it harm relations between the churches? Are you an Anglican who is considering converting into the Catholic faith?
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Moderation note: Please note that this debate is about the relations between the Catholic and the Anglican church. We talk about faith and religion frequently, but the focus of this debate is different. Comments about religion in general will be deleted as they are off topic.
Published:
Saturday, 21 November, 2009, 11:18 GMT
11:18 UK
All comments as they come in
Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:47 GMT
23:47 UK
Both the Roman Catholic & Anglican organisations have no likeness to a Christian Church. They are political groupings with self agrandisement as their sole agenda.
Tom Hill, Borehamwood, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:33 GMT
23:33 UK
There plenty of comments out there supporting Rowan Williams,but I can't understand why .This man spends more time on political issues than he does looking after his parishoners and church
Religions arent political parties that change their policies to suit what they think the voters want to hear.
Why is the C of E expected to admit women bishops etc when it has never done so before in its entire history.Williams is a hand-wringing apologist that won't be happy until the Englsh church is dead
stu nobody, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:20 GMT
23:20 UK
The Church of England offering Catholic priests similar refuge.
quietoaktree anon
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:15 GMT
23:15 UK
"The fundamental issue of how one views gender, as it plays out in the women's ordination debate and the debate about homosexuality in the Church is irresolvable. I believe that both groups are faithful Christians and people of good will, but this is the new Reformation"
The only Reformation here is within Protestantism - the RC Church is NOT the one tearing itself apart over this. Expect to see more breakaway protestant "churches" to add to the 30,000 protestant churches we already have!
Carl O, Eldwick
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:14 GMT
23:14 UK
Nothing is the answer. The Catholic church stills does not believe in the rightful existence of the church of England.
William Dryden, London
The Pope has a high regard for the Archbishop.
The Catholic Church recognises the rightful existence of all Christian groups, evidenced by Church's Together and welcomes dialogue with all non-Christian religious groups.
roger hayes, Gt. Yarmouth
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:14 GMT
23:14 UK
There is a sort of precedent - in the 16th century Eastern Orthodox churches within the Polish/Lithuanian commonwealth (in territories now in the Ukraine and Belarus) broke with the Byzantine Patriarch. Another schism and part became the Greek Catholic (aka Uniate) Church.which was subordinate to the Pope but otherwise little changed, continuing with Orthodox creed and rites and non-celibate priests. Bishops are celibate men.
[groundengineer], Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:04 GMT
23:04 UK
"When the Roman Empire lost it's grip on the world they sat down with 'spin-doctors' (i.e. St.Paul), to re-market themselves and find a way to keep control..."
...er, excuse me but I think you'll find "the Roman Empire" decapitated Saint Paul in the first place - for being a Christian! .... or did you read this in a treatise by that renowned bliblical scholar Hash Brown?
Moderator - can we have a rule please against historical ignorance and blind prejudice working hand-in-hand? Thanks!
Carl O, Eldwick
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:04 GMT
23:04 UK
Any Anglicans on HYS: You are welcome to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church, to communicate with knowledgeable Catholics and leaders to get your questions answered, and to prayerfully discern what is God's will for you. If you find you are drawn to Catholicism, you are welcome!
Grateful Free, Austin, Texas
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 23:00 GMT
23:00 UK
It always amazes me that most people who comment here about religion issues, know nothing about it. Do some research people.
For my part, I am hopeful and pray that these talks between the two churches will be fruitful. Now a note to the non-believers: please refrain from insulting the Pope. He is a holy man and the leader of many. Insults and name calling only serve for one thing: to confirm that you don't know what you are taking about.
Lorenn, London, UK
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 22:51 GMT
22:51 UK
I was in a prison cell doing Five years when I met Jesus, he completely changed my life and everyone especially the guards saw it and were amazed... in meeting him my life was filled with peace and Love and I started to share what had happened with lots of other really broken damaged guys.. such a simple message
Both the C of E and the catholic chaplains didnt have a clue what had happened to me, too busy holding there doctrine to see the bible.. keep it simple, Love one another.
Mark B, Crewe
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 22:23 GMT
22:23 UK
Nothing is the answer. The Catholic church stills does not believe in the rightful existence of the church of England.
William Dryden, London
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 22:22 GMT
22:22 UK
My reaction is it is so sad to see so many people intent on using what will hopefully be useful conversation as a tool to denigrate religion.
You are not forced to believe it is your choice but for those of us who do many will feel that, it is good that the heads of any two religions try to find common ground.
I hope the talk is constructive, I hope a solution is found that will satisfy the people who do care. For the people who do not believe, Little we can say will help you understand
LYDIA REID, EDINBURGH Scotland
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 22:12 GMT
22:12 UK
"I’m sure the ancient Greeks felt their religion was eternal too. The truth is both of these archaic dogmas are declining. Today we call their beliefs mythology. Tomorrow, eventually, it will be yours. It’s only a matter of time…Bro Winky, Toronto
- oh really? If the RC Church is in terminal decline (as you suggest) then how come the death of a pope and his funeral stopped our "modern", "secular" world for 7 days, and reminded millions of their spiritual (not commercial) centre of existence?
Carl O, Eldwick
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 22:11 GMT
22:11 UK
Why is it that I get the eerie feeling that both want to tie each other to a stake and light the fire?
Arthur.M, Randolph
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Added:
Monday, 23 November, 2009, 22:04 GMT
22:04 UK
I bow to the superior knowledge of the atheists on this forum. Your two hours viewing of the Discovery Channel obviously gives you the intellectual leverage to categorically dismiss anything which you can't perceive with your own senses. Thank the heavens (?) that us legions of buffoons who dare to be open minded about the spiritual side of life can be set right by these wise, tolerant individuals. I'm sure we can all share in their obvious joy for life and love for your fellow man now. Yippee!
A Spiritual Idiot, Dunceville
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