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Blair 'planning to become a Catholic after he quits No 10'
Last updated at 22:37pm on 17.05.07Tony Blair is preparing to convert to Roman Catholicism after he steps down as Prime Minister, according to a leading cleric.
His long- awaited formal switch to the faith of his wife and family will come shortly after he surrenders office, it is claimed.
Mr Blair's decision to formalise his Catholic beliefs was revealed by Father Michael Seed, who is regarded as unofficial chaplain to Westminster and is a regular visitor to Number Ten.
A question of faith: Tony Blair with John Paul II in 2003
Last year, Cherie Blair praised Father Seed, a leading cleric at Westminster Cathedral, for his "ability to reach out to all kinds of people, whether it is the homeless on the streets to the people in the highest places in the land, including even in Downing Street".
Asked to elaborate yesterday, Father Seed, usually known for his openness with the media, said: "I'm afraid I can't say anything."
Mr Blair has long been expected to complete his conversion after leaving Downing Street.
Conversion: It has long been speculated that Tony Blair would convert to Catholicism
He has regularly attended Catholic services in recent years, both with his family and alone.
Mr Blair has also visited Pope Benedict XVI and his predecessor John Paul II in Rome.
While opposition leader in the mid-1990s Mr Blair often took communion with his wife and children at a Catholic church in Islington in London, which is seen as a signal he is totally loyal to the faith.
However, he stopped doing so in public on the instructions of the then leader of Catholics in England and Wales, the late Cardinal Hume.
Mr Blair has not been seen in a church of his professed Anglican faith except on official occasions.
He is widely considered to have remained an Anglican because of the potential complexities of conversion while in office.
Some lawyers believe the 1829 Emancipation Act, which gave Roman Catholics full civil rights, may still prevent a Catholic from becoming Prime Minister.
Clauses in the Act state that no Catholic adviser to the monarch can hold civil or military office.
Despite his apparent commitment to the faith, Mr Blair has also frequently clashed with Roman Catholic leaders, particularly over his liberal policies on gay rights and abortion.
In recent months, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, has been severely critical of the Sexual Orientation Regulations.
The Government claims the rules will protect homosexuals from discrimination.
But Catholic leaders say they will force Christians to act in conflict with their principles.
The Cardinal has threatened to close Catholic adoption agencies if they are forced to place children with gay couples.
If Mr Blair is to convert formally, he will have to undergo a course of instruction, which is likely to be conducted by Father Seed.
To be received officially into the Church, he will be expected to take part in a service of baptism, followed by confirmation and Holy Communion.
Downing Street refused to be drawn on Mr Blair's intentions yesterday. A spokesman said: "This story is always circulating in one form or another.
"The Prime Minister remains a member of the Church of England."
Reader views (10)
Congratulations Mr. Blair. I am also a Catholic. May God bless you and your family. I was so delighted to hear of you becoming Catholic. May the Holy Spirit guide you in the right directon. Again, congrats!
- Barbara Carlson, Troy, Alabama USA
Taking account of Mr Blair's distorted view of truth I can only assume his conversion is due to the fact that he believes he can be exonerated from his sins. These are plenty and if there is judgement including his involvement in the murder and suffering of tens of thousands of men, women and children so that he, Bush and the rest of the cronies can get fat and prosperous from other innocent people's suffering. The man is so egotistical he can not understand how bad he is but just to cover all possibilities he is changing faith so he can be forgiven his sins. Instead of standing up and admitting to the world what he is he is taking the usual cowards way and hiding behind God. However bad I am or whatever I do it does not matter as it is God's will and as long as I confess it is all right. Well Mr Blair it is not alright you and Bush are responsible for humanitarian disasters and may you suffer the consequences.
- Ren, Bialystok, Poland
I just saw the news regarding the formal conversion of the former Prime Minister to Catholicism. I wish him all of God's richest blessings on the wonderful ocassion. May we some day see the Church of England reunited with the Catholic church.
- Brian Glynn, bedminster, NJ, USA
I wish Mr Blair well. He is an exemplary leader with the courage and fortitude to stand up for what he believes is best for his country. He is a patriot, it is no wonder that he and President Bush have become friends. They have a lot in common.
- Mary, Iowa, USA
As a convert myself it is easy to see the draw of The Church on Mr. Blair. Although, he should refrain from taking the sacrement until he is formally brought into the faith and makes a public statement of belief at his confirmation. But, good for him to recognioze the truth in God's Church.
- Matt, Florida, USA
Go for it, Tony. I will be praying for you!
- Betty White, Almo, KY, USA
These comments are unbelievable! A man makes a leap of faith; a statement of devotion, and just because it's Christianity - or more specifically, a different BRANCH of Christianity, he's pummelled. Would you do this to a Muslim converting from Sunni to Shiite? How about a Jew from Reform to Orthodox? Those of you who call yourself Christians making these kind of statements ought to look up tolerance. Isn't the main focus "Christ" by definition? And, if you are agnostic, maybe you ought to provide the same tolerance to Blair and others that you expect in return.
- Robert Nunemaker, Sunrise, Fl
I'm sure that the doctrine of papal infallibility has considerable appeal to our Tony!
- Nigel, London
And we all though he wanted to be President of the US, now he wants to be pope!
- Mike Fox, Sussex
If he does do this, it shows the stupidity of the Prime Minister, in effect, appointing the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Bill, London
