I would think a Catholic would be offended as well if a Protestant told them they were not sure Catholics could attain salvation (not my belief BTW).
We're told that every day on FreeRepublic. I've been here since 2001 so I'm used to it :0)
Thank you for posting this article, Dr. Kopp. I think it’s the most orthodox thing a Pope has stated since the Second Vatican Council closed.
It’s a breath of fresh air. And I hope the Pope is talking about the Church with a capital “C”, just as his many pre-conciliar predecessors had.
Deo gratias.
It should not be scandalous that a pope would say it, though I agree it has become so. If you are the head of a particular church, it would be odd if you did claim God could be found outside your church. The fact that you profess in a certain way is a Truth claim. You are supposed to advertise that your understanding of Jesus as the Way is the one that leads to the fullest understanding of God. Otherwise, why are you there?
Pope Francis’s statement is kinda required by the office, as it is required of every religious leader. If many Freepers already find his statement offensive, how will they act upon finding out the Pope considers the validly baptized Protestants part of the same Church (big C) but fallen away and not privvy to the fullness of Truth?
And yes... we had to bear up under people who want to kill us for what we believe. So what if a few posters declare us wrong?