Monday, January 22, 2007
Time for a Catholic Monarch in England?
The new Anglican primate of Ireland has broached the issue by saying that the Act of Settlement of 1701 bans a Catholic from being King (or Queen) of England. Even if the spouse and not the actual monarch is Catholic, that couple is barred from holding the throne.
I personally have no stake since I am an American, but it would be a positive step forward for Catholics in England. Why? Well reading this act carefully it allows for a Hindu, Buddhist, and any other 'religious' person can marry the future king Prince William but not a Catholic.
The BBC reports that Bishop Harper in an interview with the Irish Times says that the ban on Catholics becoming the British monarch should be abolished. The Act of Settlement of 1701 bans Catholics, or those married to Catholics, from ascending the British throne. Bishop Harper, who was born in Tamworth in Staffordshire, is to succeed Dr Robin Eames who retired in December. The new primate-elect said the Act "belongs to its time and we should move on", but that its repeal could have implications for the Church of England. As well as being the head of state, the British monarch is governor of the Church of England. Bishop Harper told the Irish Times that the disestablishment of the Church of England - separating church and state - was something it would "not only get over, but would be the better for it". Previously, Westminster Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor has said under the terms of the Act, Prince William "can marry by law a Hindu, a Buddhist, anyone, but not a Roman Catholic" and still be king. The relevant part of the Act states: "That all and every person and persons, who shall or may take or inherit the said Crown, by virtue of the limitation of this present act, and is, are or shall be reconciled to, or shall hold communion with, the See or Church of Rome, or shall profess the popish religion, or shall marry a papist, shall be subject to such incapacities."
Nice.
To read more click here.
For an Anglican view click here.
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4 comments:
Very interesting commentary, I'd love to see a Catholic on the throne but I'm not holding my breath.
Neither am I. Though it would have some psychological affect on the English Catholic community.
I've recently read of the Prophecy of the Great Monarch, a Monarch that would rise up and defend the Church with the Pope during the last days. I wonder if this person will come from England
I don't know if this is a prophecy, but some of my friends say that once France restores the Bourbon monarchy, that person will lead the Church. Never got into stuff like that, but just wanted to share.