From The BBC-Groups of Anglicans will be able to join the Roman Catholic Church but maintain a distinct religious identity under changes announced by the Pope.
The Vatican said the new rules follow requests from Anglicans wanting to join but retain their liturgical heritage.
It comes amid splits among Anglicans worldwide over the homosexuality and the ordination of women.
But Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams said he did not think it was a "commentary on Anglican problems".
Causes of discord in the worldwide Anglican communion have included the election of an openly gay bishop and the blessing of same-sex unions.
'Worldwide phenomenon'
In the Church of England, the ordination of women as priests, and the prospect of their appointment as bishops, has led many Anglicans to consider joining the Roman Catholics.
Under the terms of the new Apostolic Constitution announced by the Vatican, groupings of Anglicans would be able to join "personal ordinariates".
This would allow them to enter full communion with the Catholic church, but also preserve elements of the Anglican traditions including the possible use of Anglican prayer books.
More here-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8316120.stm
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