A Vatican announcement is expected early Tuesday (10/20). Speculation is that a large number of 'traditional Anglicans' will join the Catholic Church. The group broke with 'mainstream' Anglicans over 'ordinations' of women & homosexuals. [For update, see below]
UPDATE: The Vatican has announced a new structure that will make it easier for Anglicans to enter the Catholic Church. The structure is said to allow them to "maintain their Anglican identity and many of their liturgical traditions." The new structure is said to be in response to numerous requests from Anglicans. While the full text of the Apostolic Constitution has yet to be released, reports indicate that one provision will allow married Anglican 'clergy' (Note: They are not true priests - their orders have been ruled invalid) to become Catholic priests (but not bishops) - a special, but not unprecedented exception to the Church's requirement of celibacy. Total number of Anglicans received into the Church may number 500,000, but actual numbers are uncertain. Observers have noted some peculiarities regarding the announcement (e.g. short notice, absence of certain persons, delay in presenting document announced, etc.), leading to much speculation.
[Related Resources: The Importance of Being Catholic: Combating Religious Indifferentism | Why Priestly Celibacy? | Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests]
[10/20, updated 10/21]
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