[darkdays]

darkdays,
That there are some who want to make a change for what they believe to be the better.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Then this is a good thing, a positive change. Would you agree?

[arcura]

darkdays,
Yes, I do agree.
I hope and pray that many more struggle for unity as much as is possible of all Christian faiths.
We do need to work together regarding this hostile world.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[Wondergirl]

I hope and pray that many more struggle for unity as much as is possible of all Christian faiths.
We do need to work together regarding this hostile world.

I'm guessing the ELCA branch of the Lutheran Church will eventually unite in fellowship with the RCC. I don't think I will see that happen in my lifetime, but by mid-century it will probably happen.

[arcura]

Wondergirl,
I agree. I have heard of such.
It may be sooner than one might think.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[ebaines]

I'm guessing the ELCA branch of the Lutheran Church will eventually unite in fellowship with the RCC. I don't think I will see that happen in my lifetime, but by mid-century it will probably happen.

This seems unlikely. The ELCA, like the Episcopal church, is a relatively "liberal" institution - they both ordain women for example, and have women bishops. A significant difference that would likely keep them apart is the ELCA not following the tradition of Apostolic succession - which would cause the RCC some consternation with respect to "accepting" the validity of Lutheran bishops.

[Wondergirl]

This seems unlikely. The ELCA, like the Episcopal church, is a relatively "liberal" institution - they both ordain women for example, and have women bishops. A significant difference that would likely keep them apart is the ELCA not following the tradition of Apostolic succession - which would cause the RCC some consternation with respect to "accepting" the validity of Lutheran bishops.

Luther kept a lot of Catholic rituals and liturgy and church music and general structure. That's why I said ELCA, which is open-minded enough that there could be a reunion of sorts.

[arcura]

ebaines and wondergirl,
Yes I do think that there will eventually be some more unity there.
However, with female pastors and bishops I think that will never happen and do pray so.
Our supreme priest, Jesus, was and is a male and so it should be.
Fred

[RustyFairmount]

My understanding... is that the Roman Catholic Church is the "original" church. Kind of like the National league is the "original" baseball league. That doesn't mean to imply that the American league does not play baseball, or that other denominations are not truly Christian. It's just a term that defines lineage. All protestant faiths, by definition, have NO connection to Jesus without touching a path of leadership belonging to the Roman Catholic church. All non-denominal Christian faiths, by definition, have no leadership lineage to Christ. So by the Roman Catholic church offering acceptance to Anglicans (or any other) denomination, the Catholic church is simply working to heal the schism. Nothing more. No winner/loser. Just growing the faith. Why people get so defensive on this topic I'll never understand.

[arcura]

RustyFairmount,
I agree. You have made a good point.
Healing the unity of those who love Christ is important and I hope to see much more of that.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[ebaines]

Rusty:

I would agree - we Protestants have no need to be "defensive." I was merely pointing out that Arcura's original posting was exaggerated.

BTW - in the Anglican Communion (Episcopalean Church in the US) there is indeed an apostolic continuity going all the way back to Christ - just as in the RCC. In fact in our Nicene Creed we pray for "one holy catholic and apostolic church" (note the lower case "c" on the word "catholic"). I think this apostolic tradition is one reason why I sometimes hear Anglicans/Episcopaleans referred to as "Catholic - light," and I suspect a supporting point for the Pope's specific invitation specifically to Anglican/Episcopalean clergy (as opposed to, say, Methodists or Lutherans).

[RustyFairmount]

Rusty:

I would agree - we Protestants have no need to be "defensive." I was merely pointing out that Arcura's original posting was exagerated.

BTW - in the Anglican Communion (Episcopalean Church in the US) there is indeed an apostolic continuity going all the way back to Christ - just as in the RCC. In fact in our Nicene Creed we pray for "one holy catholic and apostolic church" (note the lower case "c" on the word "catholic"). I think this apostolic tradition is one reason why I sometimes hear Anglicans/Episcopaleans referred to as "Catholic - light," and I suspect a supporting point for the Pope's specific invitation specifically to Anglican/Episcopalean clergy (as opposed to, say, Methodists or Lutherans).

Sorry. Wasn't trying to come across harshly. Totally agree with all you've typed above. The line in the Nicene Creed that you quoted is one of my favorites. That's why I tried to be careful to use the phrase "Roman Catholic" rather than just "catholic" which can be misleading. Happy Easter!!

[arcura]

ebaines, Thanks for your thots on the matter.
Fred

[donf]

After reading the past four pages of debate, I find myself returning to a book I was required to read while I was taking classes for the Decanoate within the Diocese of Lexington, KY

The book was called "Sent George".

In this book a man is asked questions by a dragon. The conversation goes on and one day the dragon tells a story,"...One day God and his administers were arguing over exactly God would provide the world below with a book of His guidelines and rules." Well after much debate and nasty infighting, they were down to language. Everyone wanted a different language. So God settled the argument by saying He would be the ink for the writers to use in spreading His words.

Anyone see any parallels with this debate.

[arcura]

donf,
God speaks in all languages to the heart.
Is that it?
Even close?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[donf]

Fred,

God speaks in all languages and to all peoples.

All we have to do is listen.

[arcura]

donf,
Yes, I agree.
Fred