Archbishop of Canterbury to express remorse over Reformation violence

by Joseph Saraceno

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby speaks flanked by Pope Francis during vespers prayers at the monastery church of San Gregorio al Celio in RomeBelated apologies – Just another inter-faith ploy and 500 years late.

CANTERBURY, England (RNS) The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is expected to issue a statement this week apologizing for the violence that followed the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago.

The statement, according to news accounts, will express remorse that the (Protestant) Church of England carried out so many acts of violence — including burning Roman Catholics at the stake. MORE