November 19, 2010. The Vatican said that it will welcome up to 50 Anglican clergy members, including five bishops, who are leaving the Church of England to become Roman Catholic. Hundreds of Anglican church goers are expected to follow them in the move and many more are projected to follow after an Ordinariate has been established at the beginning of 2011.


The move comes as a rejection of the plan to introduce women as bishops to the Church of England.  

Most Anglicans are waiting with interest to see if legislation will finally be passed in 2012 to allow the consecration of women.

Catholic bishops are meeting to discuss how the incoming clergy will be financially supported and if they will be allowed to continue worship in their churches.  

After meeting the Pope at the Vatican in mid-November, Archbishop Rowan Williams has said he viewed the “resignations with regret but also respect,” and noted the challenge will come in finding a solution to shared use of the churches.  

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