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Williams forced to recant criticism of Irish Catholics
An extraordinary war of words between the Catholic and Protestant churches culminated yesterday in the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, apologising for remarks that are not due to be broadcast until tomorrow.
That just has to be a record, he's apologizing before he's said anything ...
Catholics in Ireland reacted furiously to comments made by Dr Williams in a pre-recorded interview -- but released by the BBC -- in which he said that the Catholic Church in Ireland had lost "all credibility" over the way it dealt with paedophile priests.

Within hours, however -- but not before the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, said he was "stunned" by the remarks -- Dr Williams issued an apology, saying he had "no intention of criticising or attacking" the Catholic Church.
Stepped in it big time, didn't he ...
What did he think he was doing, if he didn't intend what he actually did? That's as bad as the pro forma "I'm sorry if I offended anyone" when it blindingly clear that someone or group in particular was most definitely offended. Everyone says the man is so intelligent, when it's clear he's merely over-educated.
The row overshadowed the most important festival in the Christian calendar, Easter Sunday, which marks the resurrection of Christ, and was threatening to derail the Pope's visit to Britain in September.
I wasn't aware Easter could mark anything else, but perhaps the arch-druid could enlighten us ...
Clearly you are not numbered among the over-educated.
"The unequivocal and unqualified comment in a radio interview of the Archbishop of Canterbury that the Catholic Church in Ireland has 'lost all credibility' has stunned me," Archbishop Martin said. "I have been more than forthright in addressing the failures of the Catholic Church in Ireland. I still shudder when I consider the harm that was caused to abused children. But... I have rarely felt personally so discouraged as when I woke to hear Archbishop Williams's comments." His Church of Ireland counterpart, Dr John Neill, said he listened to the words with "deep regret".

Catherine Pepinster, the editor of the Catholic newspaper The Tablet, said many Catholics would be surprised by Dr Williams's "intemperate" and "extreme" remarks.
Surprised, no, not exactly, but furious ...
Dr Williams is said to have telephoned Archbishop Martin to "express his deep sorrow and regret" over the remarks. The Archbishop of Canterbury has a track record for gaffes, and it is likely his latest comments will be considered another clanger.
He's the Joe Biden of the Church of England.
Says something about the current state of the senior hierarchy of the Church of England that they knowingly put such a person as head, not back-up.

Posted by: lotp 2010-04-05
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=293967