Australian House speaker, an Anglican priest, faces tough choice on entering Catholic Church
November 29, 2011
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The speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives may be forced to choose between his political career and the Catholic priesthood.
In addition to his parliamentary duties, Peter Slipper is an Anglican priest, and chancellor of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC). Like many members of that group, he has indicated his wholehearted support for TAC efforts to enter into the Catholic Church. When an Anglican ordinariate is established in Australia, Slipper would seem an obvious candidate for membership.
However, since the Code of Canon Law prohibits Catholic priests from serving in political office, Slipper may be required to enter the Church as a layman, or to abandon his political career.
Anglican priests who enter the Catholic Church through the ordinariates may seek ordination to the Catholic priesthood, even if they are married. Each such case is evaluated individually.
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Posted by: -
Nov. 30, 2011 4:29 AM ET USA
If we have an early election, he may not have to make that choice.
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Posted by: -
Nov. 29, 2011 11:47 PM ET USA
I'll say a prayer that God may help in his decision.
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Posted by: ColmCille -
Nov. 29, 2011 5:53 PM ET USA
A difficult situation. However, I would trade a thousand political careers to be a member of Christ's Church. In the end, there is only one thing that truly matters; one pearl of great price, for which we must be willing to give up everything to attain. If we are not, then we are not worthy to be His disciple. I pray he will do the right thing.
