This is not the place to do a full-blown discussion on the filioque. Suffice to say that the West saw a need to change the Creed because of the heresy of Adoptionism was returning in Spain. Rome agreed to the formula - unfortunately without consulting the East. In effect, our beliefs have not changed. We still believe that there is ONE principle within the Divine Godhead, not two. I will note that when this was explained to the East at the Council of Florence, it was readily accepted. Personally, I think that the word "through", rather than "and" would better address the issue. I believe, rightfully so, that the East had a valid complaint about the change in formula. But it is more a political issue than a theological one, once the East found that we are still saying what was said at Nicea. Our beliefs didn't change. I consider the Filioque poor judgment and lousy politics on the part of the Pope and the Spanish Bishops, not a heresy...
With regard to territory, do Irish Catholics go to italian catholic churches and try to convert them into their parishes?
I am not familiar with the dispersal of different cultural groups within the former Soviet Union. Here in the US, people once lived in nationalistic "communities" to help facilitate their brothers and sisters from the old world in settling here in the US. Now, there is no mass exodus from Ireland or Italy or Poland. These communities are no longer one nationality, now we have a "melting pot" of people in the formerly "little Italy" or "little Ireland" communities. People here don't consider themselves as Italian first, but Americans (at least the second generation doesn't). Thus, it is hard to make the comparison you are making here.
Do they setup churches across the street and convince catholics in the other church to stop attending there and start attending across the way?
Again, I am not sure whether we can apply the same concept. I don't think there was a DESIRE to raise up a Polish Church in the middle of an Italian neighborhood! We are talking two completely different cultures. And of course, there is only one Catholic Church, so no need to build another one adjacent. And Russia? Are the Ukranian Catholics and Ukranian Orthodox of the same background, culturally speaking? I believe you are comparing apples to oranges, because Catholic and Orthodox are NOT the same religion. I don't see Irish Catholics vs. Italian Catholics as the same comparison as Ukranian Catholics vs Ukranian Orthodox.
We DO have Protestants doing what you describe, though. They DO set up "churches" nearby Catholic ones, they do evangelize, they are sometimes quite active at it. Certainly, it is a hassle, but for one strong in their faith, it is just a hassle. And in reality, it is an opportunity for us to evangelize them! No one I know who is devoted and knows their faith would even consider becoming Protestant. If Orthodox people who are devoted to their faith live nearby a Catholic Church, why are you worried that they will steal the parishoners? I think the only people who leave a particular faith are the ones who were either (a) not very strong in their faith to begin with or (b) are convinced the other church has more claims to the truth presented by Christ.
Regards
The analogy is to the current situation in the Former Soviet Republics where on the one hand uniate churches are appying these tactics, and Rome, whom they aledgedly answer to, is saying 'buy hey we wanna be friends really'. You can't do the first and expect the latter to work. Uniate churches are trying to convert the already faithful, just as if an Intalian church tried to convert and Irish Catholic church. You can't say 'we're ready to ALL be Catholic, while still saying 'you're not catholic you gotta change'.
Excellent point!
Now, there is no mass exodus from Ireland or Italy or Poland. These communities are no longer one nationality, now we have a "melting pot" of people in the formerly "little Italy" or "little Ireland" communities.
Precisely! Here in the northeast, there are so many 'ethnic' churches, lovingly constructed by their respective communities over 100 years ago. These ethnic groups were assimilated into the American landscape and have since moved to the suburbs or to other states and these magnificent churches now stand nearly empty. The bishop is closing them down.
This is also true with our small Maronite community. On December 4, we will celebrate the parish's Centennial. It was built by Lebanese immigrants and the old timers still refer to it as a 'Lebanese' parish. But Father recently addressed this with them and us, explaining that St. Ann's is no longer an 'ethnic' church but a Maronite Catholic Church that serves all catholics, regardless of their country of origin. (that includes me :-)
Catholic is catholic, regardless of one's nationality or tradition. As a Roman Catholic attending a Maronite Cathoic Church, I have enjoyed learning about their customs and foods which are tasty and delectible. But when the meatless potluck dinner is organized for Good Friday, I bring a non-Lebanese dish to introduce them to other cuisines and they love it!
If you look at the explosion of catholicism in the southern US states, the most obvious factor is the lack of ethnicity. Those churches are catholic first, with ethnic groups contributing, where applicable.