Getting History Wrong

Perhaps the Guardian was referring either to political attacks from the Catholics on the Anglicans, or to the hope of persecution leading to converstion. Who is to know about things like this. As to Gotham? I would say Lori is the safe choice (unless they transfer another archbishop to give them a red hat - although given the speed which Benedict XVI is working with His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Barthalomew, a red had may be an empty gesture).

Let me also comment on the other Red Hat vacancy, Avery Dulles. If the Vatican wants to reward a prominent theologian, especially one who is a master of just war theory, the obvious choice is Father Brian Heir.

My bet for the next Archbishop of NYC: Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, CT. Bishop Lori has lots going for him besides the fact that Cardinal Egan was also Bishop of Bridgeport before his elevation to the NYC posting. Bishop Lori was an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Washington. He was also a member of the USCCB's Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse, and was one of the clerics who drafted the ''Dallas Charter'' on the protection of children and young people. He's currently on the USCCB's Committees on Doctrine and on Pro-Life Activities. He's also the Supreme Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. Finally, he's only 57, so if he ends up in NYC, he could be there for an extended period of time. I'm not a member of his diocese, but I know people who are, and they tell me Bishop Lori has a very genuine pastoral touch, too.

I've heard of rumors that The Archbishop of Hartford has been working move on up.