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Vatican talks over Anglican plan Vatican talks over Anglican plan
(about 3 hours later)
The Archbishop of Canterbury is meeting the Pope in Rome amid tensions over the Vatican's offer to welcome disenchanted Anglicans into the Catholic fold.The Archbishop of Canterbury is meeting the Pope in Rome amid tensions over the Vatican's offer to welcome disenchanted Anglicans into the Catholic fold.
Pope Benedict's proposal would allow Anglicans to convert while preserving many of their traditions and practices.Pope Benedict's proposal would allow Anglicans to convert while preserving many of their traditions and practices.
The archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams, has said he does not believe the initiative will harm relations.The archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams, has said he does not believe the initiative will harm relations.
However, some Anglicans have accused the Pope of interfering at a sensitive time for the Church of England.However, some Anglicans have accused the Pope of interfering at a sensitive time for the Church of England.
The Vatican says its invitation came in response to pleas from Anglicans unhappy about the creation of women bishops.The Vatican says its invitation came in response to pleas from Anglicans unhappy about the creation of women bishops.
BBC religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott said: "Dr Williams says he accepts it was not intended to poach clergy or undermine relations.BBC religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott said: "Dr Williams says he accepts it was not intended to poach clergy or undermine relations.
'No unity''No unity'
"But he will go into his meeting with Pope Benedict knowing the nature of that relationship has changed. The Roman Catholic Church has all but given up on the idea of unity with Anglicans.""But he will go into his meeting with Pope Benedict knowing the nature of that relationship has changed. The Roman Catholic Church has all but given up on the idea of unity with Anglicans."
Dr Williams has signalled that he would like to build a new relationship, emphasising shared fundamental beliefs rather than "negative" secondary issues such as women clergy, our correspondent added.Dr Williams has signalled that he would like to build a new relationship, emphasising shared fundamental beliefs rather than "negative" secondary issues such as women clergy, our correspondent added.
Another cause of discord in the worldwide Anglican communion has been the election of an openly gay bishop and the blessing of same-sex unions.Another cause of discord in the worldwide Anglican communion has been the election of an openly gay bishop and the blessing of same-sex unions.
Under the terms of the Pope's proposed Apostolic Constitution, groupings of Anglicans would be able to join "personal ordinariates".Under the terms of the Pope's proposed Apostolic Constitution, groupings of Anglicans would be able to join "personal ordinariates".
This would allow them to enter full communion with the Catholic Church, but also preserve elements of the Anglican traditions including the possible use of Anglican prayer books.This would allow them to enter full communion with the Catholic Church, but also preserve elements of the Anglican traditions including the possible use of Anglican prayer books.
The first English clergy could convert early next year.The first English clergy could convert early next year.
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