[Last Dakotan]

As a Catholic, I don't see the point of being a splinter group from a breakaway, from a breakaway, etc. Soon enough your entire church can meet in your living room.

I'll stick with what is real and original.

[bjorn14]

“church can meet in your living room.”

Well, that’s how it all started. In fact there is now a mini movement to start house churches.

[chs68]

"As a Catholic, I don't see the point of being a splinter group from a breakaway, from a breakaway, etc. Soon enough your entire church can meet in your living room. I'll stick with what is real and original."

Could you please share with us your understanding of the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church?

Specifically, I like to know whether you think the Orthodox Church is or is not the "real and original" church.

Thanks in advance.

[Reo]

"I'll stick with what is real and original."

Exactly what I decided to do when I swam the Tiber from the ELCA to Rome 16 years ago. What a blessing these past 16 years have been!

[xone]

I'll stick with what is real and original.

Good, you can sing Ave Maria, not worshipping of course, I'll sing A Mighty Fortress.

[redgolum]

And how many Catholic Freepers have complained that their parish is just as nutty as the ELCA? How many have fled to other Catholic rites (despite canons from the 2nd Ecumenical Council forbidding such moves)? How many "gallery of horrors" have Catholic Freepers posted of some rather horrible masses with dancing girls, dragons, and altars that look like something from the set of a Conan movie?

Friend, what you see in the ELCA is the future of the Catholic Church in the USA. There will be a schism, or rather an open schism. BXVI has hinted a long those lines. Laughing at the ship wreck of the ELCA may be fun, but please pay attention to the rocks you own communion is heading to. The abuse scandal in Europe is more serious than here in the US, if only because the EU has a lot more authority over the Vatican, and that the various states have a lot more control over the Church.

[mlocher]

As a Catholic, I don't see the point of being a splinter group from a breakaway, from a breakaway, etc.

Christ wants us to have a personal relationship with him, and individuals should study the Bible and belong to a church/denomination that is in line with their beliefs. The simple act of belonging to a church does not guarantee salvation. Belief in Christ, and living your beliefs does.

When groups or congregations "go along to get along" they miss the real blessing of knowing Christ on a personal basis.

[Redleg Duke]

"Soon enough your entire church can meet in your living room."

Funny. That is how that subversive cult, inspired by the Jewish Rabbi that was crucified in Jerusalem began.

You know, the one that caused the Roman Emperor some much angst.