Monday, July 14, 2008

Catholicism beckons Anglican clergymen

Some priests defect over ordination of female bishops

Charles Lewis, National Post Published: Monday, July 14, 2008

Pope Benedict, second from left, arrives in Australia yesterday for an international Roman Catholic youth festival to be held in Sydney. During an in-flight news conference, the 81-year-old pontiff said he hoped the Anglican Church would not suffer a schism because of a decision to ordain women bishops.

Pope Benedict, second from left, arrives in Australia yesterday for an international Roman Catholic youth festival to be held in Sydney. During an in-flight news conference, the 81-year-old pontiff said ..

Jeffrey Steenson's decision to leave his post as an Episcopal bishop in New Mexico last year came with a steep price.

The former Bishop Steenson, a married father of three who will become a Roman Catholic priest later this year, said his lifestyle was "nothing to complain about." Along with other perks, he left a $100,000-a-year salary for a pay cut of $75,000.

"It's a very big step. All the things you took for granted are gone," said Mr. Steenson, who laughed about his change in financial fortune.

"And if your identity was shaped as a [Episcopal] priest or bishop, that has to be unmade and redone again. That's a big thing. But I feel being in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church is worth those sacrifices..."

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