Conversion: It's Not Just for Heathens, Anymore!

We were struck today by a story about the Roman Catholic Church: "Vatican Bidding to Get Anglicans to Join Its Fold." As more and more disaffected Catholics leave the church over quibbles like priestly child molestation and medieval attitudes towards homosexuals, women, and other disreputable groups, the Vatican is reaching out to disaffected Anglicans who may wish to leave their communion over its more enlightened attitudes towards homosexuals, women, and other disreputable groups.

We can't wait to see the advertising campaign: "Roman Catholicism: Now with 78% more tolerance for the less tolerant!"

It's nice to see the Vatican following the lead of Islamic fundamentalists and the Republican Party, hunkering down and clinging to outdated modes of thought, expanding its base by appealing to xenophobia and prejudice. Frankly, we think the Anglicans should welcome this turn of events: It gives them an opportunity to rid themselves of the more backward members of their flock without feeling like they're abandoning these folks to spiritual perdition. If you can't beat 'em, let 'em go join another team.

A note, though, to any Anglican priests contemplating a conversion to Catholicism: Child molestation is optional, not mandatory.