So, is the Archbishop of Canterbury Catholic?

Well, not yet. Though much ink has been devoted to the notion, it appears that reports that the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches will move from communion to unity are somewhat exagerated. A 42 page report has been generated which emphasizes the similarities between the faiths; and it has finally been spoken aloud that, if Anglicans are to have a pope, it will be the pope in Rome. Well, okay, John Paul II said the same thign some years ago. But Popes are always suggesting that they would be an excellent "sign and focus of unity", aren't they? I mean, last time I checked, official doctrine was that everybody baptised is really a catholic only some of them have soem very unusual theological notions.

Now it has been said aloud by an Anglican, too.

However, no official word is out from either Rome or Canterbury on the report. However, it does appear that -- at the very least -- Catholics are to start praying for the Archbishop of Canterbury during Mass and Anglicans are to start praying for the Pope in Rome. Which is a nice start.

Someone may have to explain to a number of Catholics what an Anglican is, exactly. I was surprised to discover that really very few people here have any idea. The Anglican presence in Holland is small.

However, it's likely to be pushed off the front pages of the Faith and Values section of the AJC by news that the bishops of the Anglican communion who are meeting this week have given the US Episcopal church 7 months to stop blessing gay marriages or get out.

Okay, they don't say get out. They say “This has consequences for the full participation of the church in the life of the communion.” Which sounds a lot like "or get out" to me.

Healing a schism on one side, opening one up on the other. Here I thought Anglicans were the "Frozen Chosen" but evidently things are getting right warmish in Tanzinia where the meeting is being held.