Vatican Says Rules on Anglican Priests Don’t Signify Change

   The Vatican has released a statement saying that it's new rules regarding the conversion of Anglicans, including married Anglican priest, does not "signify any change" in its rules for priest celibacy. This announcement has put a damper on many optimistic views that the Roman Catholic Church may soon normalize the acceptance of married Catholic priest. 

   Pope Benedict XVI released the announcement 3 weeks ago that Anglican priest could convert to Catholicism while maintaining certain parts of Anglican ritual (ie - marriage). On Monday, the Vatican released rules regarding this new change, stating that the Anglican conversions to Catholicism would be conducted on a case-by-case basis only.

   The Vatican has responded to questions by stating that this rule "change" has come about in response to the request by large numbers of Anglican priest. Criticism of the Vatican's decision has quickly come under fire. Seeing as how the Roman Catholic Church still strictly forbids the ordaining of gays and women as clergy members. How many Anglicans will take the Vatican up on this offer is still unknown.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/world/europe/10vatican.html?ref=world 

By: Taylar Proctor