Church Keeps Catholics Off British Throne

Royals are free to marry atheists, agnostics, Jews, and Muslims—but don’t expect a Catholic wedding anytime soon. The British government recently attempted to end a policy, in place for centuries, that bars marriages between royals and Catholics ... but the Church of England blocked the move, the Telegraph reports. A Catholic parent must raise his or her children in the faith, meaning such a marriage would lead to a constitutional conflict: As "Supreme Governor," the future monarch would one day be head of the Anglican church—but, as a Catholic, ultimately under the pope's authority.

“The Government accepts there are provisions which could be discriminatory,” said a rep for Britain’s deputy prime minister. “Amending the laws regarding succession to the throne is a complex and difficult matter that requires careful and thoughtful consideration." (Click for a royal wedding story involving ... Facebook.)