Scotland: Presbyterians and Catholics develop joint liturgy

Spero News ^ | 5/15/2010

[markomalley]

A Church of Scotland body is urging congregations to celebrate their common baptism with Roman Catholics for the first time by using a special joint liturgy for the reaffirmation of baptismal vows.

The groundbreaking call, seen as a huge step in inter-church links, is made in the report of the Kirk’s Ecumenical Relations Committee to the General Assembly.

The liturgy was devised by the Presbyterian denomination's Joint Commission on Doctrine, made up of officials from both churches.

Following an extensive study period which looked at our common understanding of baptism, this new service is now being recommended by the Ecumenical Relations Committee for use at major Christian festivals, such as Easter and Pentecost. This year Pentecost falls on the Sunday of General Assembly week (23 May 2010).

Theologically, both churches believe baptism involves conversion, pardoning and cleansing and marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, characterised by growth.

The report acknowledges that there are “continuing divisions” between Christians in the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church, largely stemming from the understanding of the nature of the Church. But it does say that a “real though imperfect communion” exists between Reformed and Catholic believers.

Biblically, greater ecumenism is inspired and encouraged by the Gospel of John, chapter 17 verse 21, where believers are called, in the light of Christ's commissioning prayer, to seek unity as their goal.

[Salvation]

**Eucaminical**

Huh?

[HangnJudge]

**Eucaminical**

Never could spell
Stupid, Insufficient Brain

[cothrige]

In the absence of a priest or deacon, any lay Catholic has the right to baptise a dying man

Actually anyone can baptise in cases of necessity, even if they are not Catholic, or Christian in any way. I have to admit that I have always been a bit baffled by this fact.

[BenKenobi]

"The liturgy was devised by the Presbyterian denomination's Joint Commission on Doctrine, made up of officials from both churches." And therefore it is verboten that we attend. In fact, I'd preface this attempt to corrupt the liturgy with ESAD. Leave us alone, Presbyterians and we leave you alone.

[RobbyS]

Can even hear a confession, but cannot offer absolution.

[RobbyS]

I assume that the person, if adult, being baptized has requested it. But since God Himself has commanded it, the act has the desired effect more or less as dropping a stone results in it hitting the ground.

[HangnJudge]

Can even hear a confession, but cannot offer absolution.

There are various interpretations
to John 20:23 and Matthew 16:19...

Not all of them are are in agreement with this declaration

This teaching is at the core of the Protestant and Catholic
"disagreement" of the specific calling of the Priesthood

I doubt that this forum is the proper host for this issue

[RobbyS]

I think this is the Catholic doctrine.

As to the priesthood of all believers, one has to start by accepting Luther’s rejection of ordination as a sacrament. Still not clear why since for him a sacrament was something by God’s command, and his ordination of the disciples seems clear enough, and the early Church puts great stock in authority.

[MarkBsnr]

God in His Infinite Wisdom is allowing the heresy of Calvinism to Darwin itself (!!!) out of existence. As in many things (including Communism), the United States of America is the last holdout remnant of odious and oppressive beliefs.