Tony Blair Becomes Catholic

The conversion of Tony Blair has been discussed for several months and now has become complete, wonderful news for him and his family.

From Times Online
December 22, 2007
Tony Blair converts to Catholicism
By Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent, The Times

The former Prime Minister Tony Blair has been received into the Roman Catholic Church.

Mr Blair was received into full communion with the Catholic Church by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, during Mass in the chapel at Archbishop’s House, Westminster, on Friday.

Mr Blair, formerly a member of the Church of England, has been receiving doctrinal and spiritual preparation from Mgr Mark O’Toole, the Cardinal’s private secretary.

Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor said: 'I am very glad to welcome Tony Blair into the Catholic Church. For a long time he has been a regular worshipper 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. My prayers are with him, his wife and family at this joyful moment in their journey of faith together.'

His conversion follows months of speculation. As long ago as May, The Times reported exclusively that he was intending to become a Catholic after he left Downing Street.
Political and interdenominational sensitivities meant he felt unable to follow his spiritual heart's desire while in office.

He was once chastised by the former Archbishop, the late Cardinal Basil Hume, for receiving communion alongside his Catholic wife Cherie and his children at their former church in Islington. Inter-commununion is banned by the Catholic Church although permitted by Anglican bishops.