One reason why senior Catholic clerics view a possible schism with dismay is personal and emotional. As the Second Vatican Council\u2019s decree on ecumenicism noted, the Anglican Communion occupies a \u201cspecial place\u201d\u009d in relation to the Catholic church. In the 44 years since then, many Catholics have invested time, effort and prayer in trying to reunite with the Church of England, and there have been moments when they dared to hope it was possible. Good friendships and working relationships have been formed along the way (one is between Rowan Williams and the Archbishop of Westminster, Cormac Murphy-O\u2019Connor). No one likes to hear a row in a friend\u2019s house.<\/p>\n
But there are other, less sentimental reasons why the Catholic hierarchy dreads a split. In particular, the acceptance into the Catholic church of large numbers of married Anglican clerics would make it harder for the Vatican to hold its already shaky line on priestly celibacy. Since 1980, when rules were drawn up for the reception of Anglican clerics (some of whom were unhappy at the prospect of women priests in their Communion), more than 80 have taken the leap worldwide. Most are married. Catherine Pepinster, the editor of a liberal Catholic weekly, the Tablet, says that in Britain most Catholics feel that these priests \u201cbring something beneficial to their ministry. They understand people\u2019s married lives, and that is appreciated.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n