Church divided: Women bishops an obstacle to unity, Vatican warns

The Vatican yesterday criticised the Church of England's decision to press ahead with the ordination of women bishops, saying it presented a "further obstacle" for reconciliation between Canterbury and Rome. A statement released through the Vatican Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity said it had "regretfully" learned of the historic vote, which took place on Monday after a seven-hour debate. It read: "Such a decision signifies a breaking away from the apostolic tradition maintained by all of the churches since the first millennium, and is a further obstacle for reconciliation between the Catholic church and the Church of England. "This decision will have consequences on the future of dialogue, which had up until now born fruit." Cardinal Walter Kasper, who heads the unity council, will reiterate the Catholic position... [read full story]