Tony Blair Converts To Catholicism

Can Tran December 22, 2007

There has been much speculation that Tony Blair would convert and become a Roman Catholic after leaving office of Britain’s Prime Minister. His wife and his children are already Catholic.

It was Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor that led the ceremony to convert Mr. Blair and welcome him to the Catholic faith. The cardinal adds that he was glad to be the one to lead the ceremony.

Blair is now a Catholic; however, his voting record in parliament has often gone against the teachings of the church; according to Ann Widdencombe, ex-Tory minister.

In the previous year, Mr. Blair said that he prayed to God when making the decision whether to send troops to Iraq or not. Currently, he is now a peace envoy to the Middle East.

On Friday, during Mass at Archbishop’s House, Mr. Blair went into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Cardinal O’Connor explains: “For a long time he has been a regular worshiper at Mass with his family and in recent months he has been following a programme of formation to prepare for his reception into full communion.”

David Willey, BBC correspondent explains that it is no secret in Rome that Mr. Blair has taken instruction from a Catholic priest before conversion.

However, Miss Widdencombe who is also a Catholic after converting in 1993 says that this move raises questions.

“If you look at Tony Blair’s voting record in the House of Commons, he’s gone against Church teaching on more than one occasion. On things, for example, like abortion,” Miss Widdencombe explains.

Britain’s never had a PM that was Catholic. However, there is no constitutional barrier in regards to converting to Catholicism. But, it’s suggested that Mr. Blair would wait as a means to avoid classes. One example would be the role in appointing bishops in the Church of England.