Years ago, Saint Mary the Virgin Catholic Church in Texas and a handful of other conservative Episcopal churches in the U.S. decided to become Roman Catholic.

Though they were confirmed by the Vatican, they were still allowed to practice some of their Anglican traditions, including having married priests.

Now, these churches may have helped pave the way for Anglicans worldwide to become Catholic under a new Vatican plan created to make it easier for such conversions. The surprise move revealed in October is designed to entice traditionalists.

The Rev. Allan Hawkins, who leads Saint Mary the Virgin church outside of Dallas, says the Vatican's decision could start unifying the Catholic and Anglican churches.