As the United Kingdom braces to receive one of the best-known and most controversial figures on the planet, Pope Benedict XVI, a question hangs over the state visit: Why is he coming?
The leader of the world’s 1 billion-plus Catholics does not particularly like to travel, Benedict biographer David Gibson says.
Since a high-profile visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories nearly a year-and-a-half ago, he’s gone only to a handful of small countries not far from Rome — racking up nothing like the number of air miles logged by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.
And the United Kingdom is not a Catholic country. On the contrary, Britain’s break from Rome in the 16th century echoes, if faintly, to the present day, with laws on the books forbidding the heir to the British throne from marrying a Catholic.
Because we invited him?
[blockquote]Indeed, a leading voice for conservative members of the Church of England, Canon Chris Sugden, said, “Many orthodox Anglicans in England would feel that they share more in common with the pope than with the presiding bishop of the Episcopal church [Rowan Williams].”[/blockquote]
Really? Though Rowan Williams, or indeed any Anglican Primate would probably make a better Presiding Bishop than the current one.
It is also strange to talk to an evangelical and not an Anglo-Catholic! methinks the journo did not do much homework!!!
RE: “Really?”
Hi Pageantmaster, I certainly feel that I share more in common with the pope than Rowan Williams, and I expect that most of my traditional TEC friends would say the same.
We proudly share much of the Pope’s writings and thoughts around, while rolling our eyes at the ABC’s effusions.
RW is basically out there on another planet. He has not defended the faith and he is an utter failure as a leader. I do not respect him. The pope has defended the faith, he is not a failure as a leader but instead has actually succeeded in developing *more* unity in his church, and I do respect him.
#5 Hi Sarah
I have no argument with Canon Sugden’s assessment although he probably talks to more people than I do. I didn’t even know he was an evangelical as RPP does.
I was musing on the startling news from CNN that Dr Williams is apparently also Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.