ABERDEEN, Scotland, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The pope has given special permission for the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland to ordain a married priest -- a former Anglican priest.
James Bell, a former priest of the Scottish Episcopal Church, is scheduled to be ordained March 2 by Roman Catholic Bishop Peter Moran of Aberdeen, Scotland, reported the Scotsman.com.
Former Anglicans, including married priests, have been ordained as Roman Catholic priests in England before, but Bell's is the first ordination to take place in Scotland.
"Deacon Bell's wife, Lesley, has supported her husband in his decision to apply for ordination, and throughout the additional studies he has had to undertake," said Moran. "His ordination as a priest, and any subsequent appointments, do not of themselves alter her status or responsibilities within the Catholic Church."
