The Inquisition of American Nuns

Almost a year ago the Vatican announced an investigation of American nuns. The stated intent was to "help" them in their mission, and denied any attempts to bully them about orthodoxy and returning to the habit. (You can't bully someone if you publically admit you're bullying them). And now the Vatican would like the financially strapped American dioceses to graciously pick up the tab for over a million dollars.

In the meantime, many individuals and organizations have come to the defense of American religious orders who are less inclined to see the visitation as innocous. In fact, Cardinal Franc Rode, the Vatican head overseeing religious orders, felt obliged to defend the investigation. He told Vatican Radio that he hoped the investigation would encourage more vocations and ensure a better future for the U.S. women religious, calling the investigation a response to concerns.

I think you only need to gaze upon Cardinal Rode to know where his heart is. It's somewhere under those bolts of red material...

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0904882.htm

A Bunch of New Married Priests?

Just weeks after I suggested Bishop Sartin pursue a married priesthood, the Vatican announced their own new strategy. The Pope has authorized an overture to disaffected conservative Anglicans to come on over to the Catholic side en masse. They were offered their own rite to retain some traditional Anglican elements. Anglican priests can even keep their wives (if they want to). Only married bishops would lose their miters in the crossing (no married bishops allowed).

The details are still being worked out, but it would be interesting to see how many Anglicans might actually take the offer. Up to this point, I know more Catholic priests than Anglicans (Episcopalians) who switched sides. Many switched to get married. Will they be welcomed back? Early reports suggest that only Anglican priests who are married can be married, with a resounding "NO" to anyone else. Alas, only a stop-gap measure

To get Stephen Colbert's take on the issue for to http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/252747/october-27-2009/holy-water-under-the-bridge---randall-balmer