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Fr. Joe Answers:
You are correct in sensing that there is more unity than difference in the way Catholics and Lutherans understand and celebrate communion. In fact, since the second Vatican Council there has been a “coming together” of these different Christian Churches with respect to communion. The Catholic Eucharist (Mass) is now celebrated in the language of the local community rather than in Latin. The communal celebration of the Mass is much preferred to the private celebration by a priest that was common before Vatican II. And Catholics have restored the ancient practice of communion under the forms of both bread and wine.
In dialogues between Lutheran and Catholic theologians in 1968, Lutherans agreed that the celebration of the Eucharist involves a sacrifice of praise and self-offering that unites the believer with the sacrifice of Christ. At the same time, Catholics joined Lutherans in affirming that the sacrifice of the cross was a unique, one time event that is not “repeated” in the celebration of the Eucharist. Both Lutherans and Catholics affirmed that in the Eucharist Christ is “present wholly and entirely, in his body and blood, under the signs of bread and wine.” This “presence” of Christ in the Eucharist is more than a commemoration, it is an “effective sign” which “communicates what it promises” (“Building Unity”: Ecumenical Series IV, editors Burges and Gros: Paulist Press, 1989).
There remain some differences between Catholics and Lutherans with respect to communion. Some are matters of vocabulary. Each Church forms a kind of culture with its own vocabulary and terminology. For example, Lutherans will refer to communion as “The Lord’s Supper” while Catholics prefer “Eucharist” or “Mass.” A shared vocabulary helps a group feel comfortable and “at home.” Sometimes differences in vocabulary make it seem that there are differences in meaning where none in fact exist. It’s very important to learn and attempt to understand the vocabulary of another Church in order to have a meaningful conversation.
True differences in belief and practice also remain. While both Lutherans and Catholics will bring communion from the Church to members of the community who are sick, Catholics maintain the practice of reserving the communion bread in the tabernacle which becomes a place of prayer and devotion. Lutherans do not hold the same belief that the presence of Christ continues in the bread and wine after the time and place of the celebration of the Eucharist.
Lutherans would also question the Catholic practice of offering Mass for the intentions of those who have died. While Lutherans believe in the value of offering prayers for those who have died, they would have reservations regarding Catholic belief that the Eucharist is effective as an “atoning sacrifice” for those who have died.
Catholics hold to the term “transubstantiation” to describe the reality of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. They borrow terms from the philosophy of Aristotle to express the belief that during the Eucharist the substance of bread and wine is changed into the substance of the body and blood of Christ, while the accidents of bread and wine (what they look, feel and taste like) remain the same as they were before. Lutherans prefer to avoid the term transubstantiation and use other terms to describe their belief in the full reality of Christ’s presence.
Since I am not Lutheran, I may not have done full justice to the Lutheran position on the Eucharist, and would welcome any corrections from those who know more. But I feel certain that there is much more agreement between Catholics and Lutherans on this matter than we often realize. I thank you for your most interesting question and hope this has helped to provide an answer.
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I am Lutheran and we do NOT pray FOR the dead. It is our belief that, once a person has died, their eternal state is final. No prayer can raise them out of hell, and no prayer is needed in Heaven.
Other than this one point, the article is very interesting and I enjoyed reading it.
Nice article–Just to make my experience complete, I found the following answer to your question on The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod website (www.lcms.org):
“At the risk of oversimplication, let me say briefly the following. Roman Catholics share with Lutherans a belief in the real presence of Christ’s true body and blood in the elements of the Sacrament [of the Eucharist or Lord‚Äôs Supper]. However, disagreements have existed historically on whether or how the mystery of Christ’s presence can be explained. Catholics explain the Real Presence through their doctrine of transubstantiation.
Lutherans reject such an attempt to explain the Real Presence and insist that we must adhere to the simple words of Christ and be content to believe them as a divine mystery beyond human comprehension or explanation. In addition, longstanding differences exist regarding the Catholic position on the Eucharist as a sacrifice. Lutherans have rejected any understanding of the Lord’s Supper as a sacrificial act on our part, holding that it is purely God’s gift through which He acts to impart His forgiveness and strength to communicants. With respect to Baptists, usually Baptists understanding the Lord’s Supper as a symbolic act, including the elements of bread and wine as symbolizing Christ’s presence–in contrast to the Lutheran position that Christ’s true body and blood are present in, with, and under the external elements of bread and wine.”
Pax tecum.
As an “evangelical catholic” Lutheran minister, I commend most of what is stated in the above article. Some clarification is needed on a few points. While it is true that Lutherans do not practice a particular devotion toward the reserved Sacrament, many parishes today do have a tabernacle or ambrey in which both the consecrated elements of bread and wine are reserved, primarily for the communion of the sick and homebound. While the primary emphasis falls on the presence of Christ’s body and blood in the actual celebration and reception by the gathered communicants, it is not denied that the real presence endures beyond that time and space so long as the act is completed by the actual reception of coommunion (in home, hospital, wherever). In these instances it is often customary to repeat the words of institution, not as (re-)consecration, but simply to confirm Christ’s words of promise to the individual communicant. — I must also take some issue with my fellow-Lutheran Mike’s comment on prayers for the dead. While Lutherans do not accept the mediaeval Roman concept of purgatory, our official doctrinal statements from the 16th century do allow for the continuance of the ancient tradition of some form of prayer for the dead. Under other Protestant influence, many Lutherans have rejected prayer for the dead, but the older understanding is being revived today. We prayerfully commend the deceased to God’s eternal love and mercy, also recognizing that what happens at death remains in the realm of mystery, until we see Christ face to face. Increasingly also the Eucharist is offered at the time of death, as a thanksgiving for the grace of Christ’s redemption in the life of the deceased person. — I think many of us could also affirm the more nuanced views on purgatory offered by some modern Roman Catholic theologians.
So, from what I’m reading, a lot of the beliefs of Catholics and Lutherans about communion are very similar, if not the same. Then why do Catholics not allow Lutherans (or any other religions) to take communion during Mass?
That’s a good question Martha. From what I see it has to do with anyone who receives communion at a Roman Catholic Mass, must believe everything the Catholic Church teaches. Since Lutherans do not in the infallibility of the pope… they cannot. Now my question is, where does the church derive the authority to determine who does and does not receive communion?
Martha and Jordan…exactly right.
Jordan…canon law would give the hierarchy the right to determine what is in Catholic tradition obviously, but I think you’re asking how the church would determine when someone who is outside of Catholicism is actually on the communion line? I would say that they don’t really know unless they self-identify in some way. And that’s the point–we are self-identifying as Catholics and sending others a sign that we are “in communion” with that particular tradition.
Lutherans welcome baptized Christians to communion at there services, obviously that would include Catholics. What is the Catholic Church’s position on Catholics receiving communion at a Lutheran service?
I believe it’s a mortal sin for Catholics to receive communion in another church. I did not take communion with the Lutherans until I had decided that I was not Catholic anymore.
I grew up catholic and I believe that catholics are welcome to visit and take communion from other churches. I dont believe they think it is a sin.
I grew up Catholic but, attend an ELCA church in my hometown.My fathers side were historically Lutherans,Palatine Germans in N.Y. I feel at home in either Church and I see more similarities than differences and those should be celebrated.I was never told as a Catholic that it was a sin to receive or Celebrate the communion in any other Christian church.How it is viewed by the individual is the matter in Question.
@ cathyf – this situation is more complicated than that for Lutherans. The official position of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) is analogous to that of the Roman Catholic church: you must be in communion with (i.e. a member of) the LCMS in order to receive communion in their services. Practice in the ELCA varies. Some congregations welcome all baptized Christians, or (as in my congregation) those who normally commune in their own congregations. Others ask that you share the Lutheran belief in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament in order to commune.
@ Steph and Tara – I don’t know if it’s regarded a mortal sin, but I believe the official Roman Catholic position is that Roman Catholics are not allowed to receive communion in non-RC churches.
As an ELCA pastor, I counsel my people to respect the rules of their hosts when they worship with Roman Catholics or Missouri Synod Lutherans and receive communion only at the explicit invitation of the host pastor .
It troubles me that we are all supposed to be “brothers and sisters” and ALL welcome to “God’s table”…yet there are RULES?!
I agree with you Tiphanie.
God does everything in and by order. Paul gave us some rules on communion in I Corinthians 5.7-13 and 11.17-34.
Very interesting discussion. I pray that the Holy Spirit will bring us ALL closer and closer so that the time comes when we can all receive Communion with each other no matter which church we are sitting in. Let us love one another so that we are all recognized as Jesus’ disciples. In our town we have great cooperation between the various churches, both in prayerful reunions and in ministry outreach. Blessings to you all.
I like the level of this discussion. As a Lutheran spending half the year in France, I commune there at Roman Catholic churches with the permission of their hierarchy because there is no Lutheran church anywhere within a 400-mile radius and the Calvinist churches do not believe in Real Presence. Most educated Catholics understand that Lutherans value Communion as highly as they do, Word and Sacrament being the two means of grace in the Lutheran church. We are as adamant as they in affirming the Real Presence. But like the Eastern Orthodox, we do not teach transubstantiation, or for that natter consubstantiation, because of the futility of any attempt to explain a divine mystery in terms of reason, which is — to use a contemporary metaphor — the “operating system” of the secular realm; its equivalent in the spiritual realm is faith.
PS to Steve: Luther also said that it is dangerous to receive Communion flippantly. Buy I have seen in Germany faithful Catholic priests, including a Trappist prior, receive the sacrament at a Lutheran altar because it was consecrated by a Lutheran bishop ordained in the apostolic succession.
i think this is great for an assignment
I don’t take communion at non Catholic churches, even my grandmother’s church (she’s a lutheran). I don’t do it to be mean, and I don’t do it because I think it’s a “mortal sin”. I do it because the gravity of belief is different. If we are supposing there is indeed this vast sacred element in the Eucharist, deserving of our reverence and understanding, we should acknowledge the gravity of our beliefs by sticking to the communion within our respective churches. This doesn’t need to be a discriminatory thing, it should just be something where each of us embraces the understanding of our respective church’s beliefs on the subject. It’s a heavy thing to take the Eucharist. I prefer to keep that idea consistent in practice as well as belief.
Interesting discussion … my wife and I have been LCMS Lutherans and are now Roman Catholic – but not all at the same time, of course.
While we remain Roman Catholic, we are Eucharistic ministers (assist with the distribution of The Eucharist) and at a Mass a Lutheran minister (knowing her to be Lutheran (ELCA) and she in a Roman collar, asked as she approached me if she could receive … may be against RC rules, I said “of course” as I knew she believes in Christ in the Eucharist and a in Christ’s redemption for us.
Just thought I’d share this as a common thread for many Lutherans and Catholics … Rome may keep us separated but making that choice is ours alone.
I have spent much time in the Lutheran, Episcopal, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The main thing to understand is that each of the Churches have a different understanding of the mystery, and substance of the Eucharist; that said, it is completely contrary to the Word of God, that anyone should deny one the right to commune in Christ, or more ridiculously, because of circumstances such as a divorce or excommunication (in the Roman Church) where does that leave souls? The Roman Catholic church is promoting membership in protestant denominations more than it knows. We can only pray for the unity of all+
The bottom line is like Jesus said in John 3:7 you must be born again. He further says in the following verses that unless man is born again he cannot see or enter the kingdom of heaven. Never mind being baptizsed or taking communion, those acts do not save you. Once you become born again then you become baptised.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus christ is Lord thou shall be saved
My wife and I take the Lords supper together – she is catholic and I attend Lutheran services. My children are baptized catholic. I enjoy both places of worship and feel unity not division. catholic means universal not divided. It is to my understanding we share the Nicene creed of beliefs. We have been married for 30 years.My understanding is the catholic church reaches out to other christian and even other religions they just think they have a more perfect path to God but not the only path. We both believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe the Holy Spirit emanates from the Father and the Son, the son was fully man and divine. We both believe we are saved by grace and involve ourselves in community service, charity and giving. We are content and at peace. As for the pope I see him as a religious leader and his relationship with God is between him and God none of my business. He will be judged along side of the rest of us by Christ. The bible tells us to love even our enemies , how can we not love each other.
The reality is that we are not really united (at least not fully anyway), else we would not be discussing Lutherans vs Catholics. So, yes it is inconsistent with our profession of faith as Catholics to receive Holy Communion in a non-Catholic Church. First of all, because if the church does not have valid orders, then they cannot even consecrate the Eucharist in the first place – never mind if that particular church believes in the real presence or not. As Justin Martyr said back in 155 A.D., “No one may share in the eucharist with us unless he believes that what we teach is true,… “
Dylan – what exactly does excommunication mean to you if an excommunicated person can still receive Holy Communion? And a divorced person may still receive Communion in the Catholic Church… it’s when a divorced person remarries that the situation becomes a bit sticky.
I am a Lutheran and I take communion almost everyday in a Catholic church. At first I was told I could not take it but could be given a blessing. I said that Jesus said himself for ALL to take. He did not say Catholics only. For this reason I take communion and I hold the meaning of it in my heart as to the belief that the bread is the body of Christ and the wine is the blood of Christ, in memory of him, as he siad himself. I feel let no one or no church rule keep you from your belief in God. Do you realy think God cares if you are Catholic or lutheran as long as you believe in him. Go to John 3 16 and it does not say ” Catholic or Lutheran”It says ” God so love the world he gave his only son,and WHOEVER shall believeth in me shall not parish but have ever lasting life.
Another issue that I have learned first hand about is that divorcees are not allowed to take communion in the RC church unless the marriage has been annulled. It is considered a sin. As a Lutheran I find that stance troublesome. Why wouldn’t someone that needs to be renewed, refreshed, and forgiven, be denied access to that gift?
It is acceptable for a Catholic to take Communion at a Lutheran Church. I was at a wedding for a friend who was Catholic and is now Lutheran. They made an announcement before the service started that told the Catholics that it was acceptable to receive Communion at the wedding. I do not know or understand why it is not permitted the other way around.
I’m still have so much to learn. I am referring to Mikes comment at the top. He said Lutherans don’t pray for the dead. Catholics have Rosary’s when someone dies. What kind of services do Lutheran’s have for the dead? Do Lutherans pray the Rosary. I’ve prayed for my love one’s that died to let them be at peace wherever they are.
I read this the other day, A christian, is a relationship with the Lord, not a religion.
@Erik Z I am a Lutheran and I, like my fellow Lutherans,believe Romans 10:9+10. We just do not necessarily use the term “born-again”. We use the word “saved”. That is saved by the blood of Christ.The term “born-again is fine, butis an older Baptist word.
@paula @Erik Z I am a Lutheran and we Lutherans absolutely do believe Romans 10:9+10. We just do not necessarily use the term “born-again”. We use the word “saved”. Meaning “saved by the blood of Christ”.The term “born-again is fine,but we don’t feel we need to change our language whenever someone else does,although some Lutherans may use it.Do not be judgemental about the sacraments. These are serious things to we who believe. And It is Biblical!!You should learn about these things. @paula You are getting hung up on a word–religion. We mean it in the way it was formally used,ie., Religion=Christian Faith.I don’t see why other Christians have to change a word just because a pentecostal or some other church assigns a bad meaning to it, to make the other churches look bad.What do you think everyone on here is talking about? The answer is their Faith, of course, which is a REAL Living relationship for all who believe in Jesus.Why should we keep changing our venacular?? We Christians know what each otheris saying + really means.
Although I am Lutheran and we have our differences with Catholics, I am sick and tired of the Catholic-bashing that I see some churches doing. If someone believes Christ died for them on the cross and rose again, the Bible says they’re saved. Stop being so judgemental. Look at your own church.Some of these new churches are accepting MODALISM. VERY BAD stuff. It denies the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–plz avoid them!! And pray for them to realize their error(s)! We ought to be praying for the whole visible Body of Christ, here on earth, anyway.
I am lutheran and my wife recently became lutheran ( formally Catholic). Now we have two children. My wife has been talking to me about rejoining the catholic church. She does not demand that our children and I join with her, but she does feel that the catholic church is the closest religion that matches her mental model and heart. My question is if all christians will go to heaven if they beleive Jesus died for them, rose again,and is the one true Saviour. Then does it really matter what religion they are? Is it a problem to have a lutheran and a catholic co-exist in a marriage with children or should one religion be decided for the family until the kids are old enough to decide for themselves?
This is a fascinating discussion and I have learned a great deal. I am a devout Catholic but very open and accepting of others and their points of view. My wife is in religious “limbo” as of yet but was raised Lutheran. My brother recently came out to us and I know what the Catholic Church teaches regarding homosexuality. I am wondering what the Lutheran teachings are? I have always just felt that God is love and am accepting and respectful of all of God’s creatures and let God judge us all in the end. But hearing so many similarities between the two religions makes me wonder if I should consider becoming a Lutheran depending on if their stance is different regarding homosexuality.
I am Catholic, but became so as an adult through my own desire to understansd more of what I was around as a child. ( father raised Catholic, but did not raise us religiously after divorce with my mother, went to church with grandparents sometimes) I was taught that Catholics could receive communion in a rc church but not orthodox? And that other religions could not receive in a cTholic church unless being Catholic. I feel that its more comfortable to receive communion in a church of my faith, and respectful to my beliefs, but I see how that doesn’t sit well when it comes to rules of who can and cannot receive communio. at a Catholic mass or a mass of another denomination. I believe that the rite taken for communion as a Catholic differs from that of another faith which I have not done and I am devoting myself to the Catholic faith through communion and confirmation. My fiance was baptised Lutheran and was introduced by his aunt as a child to the Lutheran church. He understands that had he received communion rites lutheran he wouldn’t receive commmunion at mass with me, out of simply respecting the difference in beliefs around communion with these two faiths
I have a really serious question. Do Catholics believe that abortion is okay if it is going to hurt the mother?
It is not a mortal sin for Catholics to receive communion in a Lutheran church. It would only be a mortal sin to receive communion in a church that denies Jesus is lord. I am a Roman Catholic and I think there is very little difference between Catholic and Lutheran. Transubstantiation is the major item and it seems to be semantics. Unfortunately I do not think Benedict is the leader to fix the schism of words. He is busy making words a problem within the Church. Recently he changed a lot of words in the liturgy. He changed “one in being with” to “consubstantial with” because it is more like the Latin word. I am 54 years old and have a two degrees English and Communication Theory I have never used that word in my life time. I believe it to be a dis-used word in American culture, it therefore has no meaning. It may as well be a made up word. It is presnirted disconfbulated thinking. I think it is time to dispense with such immature notions that the words matter THAT much.
It is really about the love of Christ. Simple really. Christ was a simple man with some simple messages about how we should live.
Catholics do not believe in unborn killing babies, however, there are circumstances such as the health or welfare if the mother are seen to be a decision that must be made in good faith after prayer and meditation by the husband and wife or mother. It is a grave decision that is between the parents and God. No one else will be with you on your judgment day.
I have enjoyed the above conversation. I have been a Lutheran for 20+ years, and came to Christ through a “born again” experince. God broke into my life as a young man and I was “saved” without any discision on my part, without any work on my part. It happened through prayer of others on my behalf. That said, I love the Lutheran doctrine, believing what Luther taught (after his own personal revelation.) When it comes to the Eucharist, we do believe that Christ is present in the bread and the wine, and scripture is too significantly revealing to believe otherwise. It is surely a mystery as to the how/why/what type of presence it is, and we should probably let it go at that. The unfortunate thing about us humans is that we all want to be right, spending a great deal of time and energy devoted to proveing just that. When we submit to the temptation of flexing our theological muscles too much, we chance losing our child-like faith, building a form of religious callous, which numbs our personal faith, and our feeling toward each other. Jesus told us two commandments will cover everything else. (paraphrased)”Love God, and Love Neighbor.” It’s about love and service to God by making Jesus known afterall, isn’t it? Keep up the good conversation.
Tt has seemed to me for a long time that rules, church doctrines and practices, etc., are constructs of men. I was raised in the Lutheran church, and still hold a belief in that, by His grace are we granted faith; so if we acknowledge that and maintain our trust (and ask forgiveness) we are forgiven and saved; once and for all.
All of the other religious structure on earth, regarding various liturgies,and communion practice are constructs of man.Indeed Paul was just a man. No man, even his desciples, can and never could, know the mind of God.
Does anyone really believe that Father God is concerned about religious practice in a building? C’mon- he knows whats in our hearts. In my view,we “commune” every time we pray earnestly.
I was raised Catholic and have received 5 of the 7 sacraments (all except Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick). My husband is a non-practicing Missouri Synod Lutheran and we decided together to raise our two children as Lutherans. I have been attending a Lutheran Church and send our boys to Lutheran school for the past 8 years. Just recently the pastor of the church we attend retired, he knew my position and that I was raised and confirmed Catholic but allowed me to participate in the Lord’s Supper. I also receive communion at Catholic churches (weddings, baptisms. We now have a new pastor and I am confused as to whether I am invited to the Lord’s Table anymore… I need to speak with the new pastor and make him aware of my position, but I am afraid I will be rejected. I’m not sure I am ready to comletely let go of my Catholic identity, it has been a part of me for over 30 years. On the other hand, I love the Lutheran beliefs, values, teachings and community. Does anyone have any advice for me??
Troubled… I believe that if you believe that you are receiving the body and blood of Christ you are welcome to commune in the Lutheran church
I am 15 and was born and raised in a Catholic family, one that went to mass every Saturday night. Recently, say in the last 2 months or so, i’ve become so confused about what i really believe in, i’ve felt secluded. One big part of this was that I thought that the explanation of the holy eucharist was missing something. I have grown increasingly farther apart from the Catholic faith, and finally decided due to myself being so confused, to renounce Catholiscism. Im looking for guidance, and have been reading around alot, trying to figure out what i really beilive. And i always seem to end up back on page or a board that deals with the Lutheran faith. I was hoping, as a confused teen who is tying to figure out what he beilieves, for some insight into what the Lutheran faith is about. Im just asking if anyone has a good summary or points on what i should do, and also on the Lutheran faith.Thanks so much if you answer, it truly is appreciated.
I was raised as a Lutheran. Although I have not regularly attended service since my late teens, I still hold to the religious beliefs I was raised in. Today my youngest step-son is taking his first communion in the Catholic church. I was actually looking forward to attending service again, but while discussing the matter with my wife last night she informed me that I would not be permitted to receive communion in the Catholic church. I thought she must have been mistaken. As a Lutheran I went through the Catechism, and I have attended services at Catholic churches before. Like so many others have said, there are more similarities than differences. Still, if I were to attend today I feel that I would be viewed as an outsider and this would cause tension within our family. For this reason I have decided that I will let my step-son know that I support him, but I will not be attending the service. I guess I’ll just view this as a reminder of why I don’t attend services anymore.
ok im not sure what all those big words mean and im kinda young and all but iv been studying because there is this boy i like and hes lurtherin and im catholic and i was just wonering what the main differences where ar they about the same?
Doesn’t the difference in communion come down to we, The Catholic Church, have the rite of Melchizedec?
Interesting discussion… Here’s my experience as a Lutheran taking Communion in a Catholic Church. I went to a Lutheran School/ Church, Missouri Synod and was Confirmed there. As I grew older I stopped going. Later on I married into a Catholic family and once our daughter was born she was raised as a Catholic at a Catholic school / Church that was just down the street where my wife also attended school / Church. My wife and I had both stopped attending our churches until our daughter started attending school. Eventually we started attending Mass on a fairly regular basis. I didn’t take Communion at first. But the moment came where I realized it wasn’t the same by not taking Communion. So I did several times. Being the Lutheran that I am I couldn’t help but wonder if I was doing something “wrong”. I knew there differences in the way it was observed and it bothered me the next time we went. I didn’t take Communion. The next week in Church I was conflicted about this and I prayed about it once I sat down. I wanted to take Communion but I didn’t want to feel so conflicted about what I was doing. Right after I raised my head the usher came up and asked if we wanted to present the Gifts. So we did! Several weeks later, once again I’m conflicted, I pray and once again we’re asked to present the Gifts. While all this was happening my wife’s aunt was sick with cancer and we attended a Healing Mass for her at a different Church. Again the same thing, I prayed about what I was doing and yes once again we were asked to present the Gifts. I haven’t wondered about it since…
As a catholic, I follow most of what has been inculcated in me. I do not belief, though, that the pope is God messenger since it has been appointed by representatives of the human race.
Kevin, I think it is sad that you felt this way. I have too. Church should have brought you together not separated you but all these rules meant you missing out on a life moment. I have been Catholic for over 30 years and I am so confused. It seems as if I believe what all these people are writing but it somehow doesn’t apply to me. Guilt ? They have rules over everything including sex in marriage. It is too much.
There is a lot in the Catholic faith that I do not agree with. As far as divorce goes, stuff happens. Sometimes you cannot save a marriage if there issomething like abuse involved. But you can get it anulled which makes no sense to me especially if there were kids produced. You have to pretend that this part of your life doesn’t matter ? And for the gay issue, there are many gay people in my Catholic church. I also know some who stopped which to me is horrible. I guess that you evolve throughout the course of your life and maybe need more from something that can no longer give it. I beleive in God, Jesus and the Holy Family. Holy Communion is the core of my being but cannnot embrace receiving it is another church just yet.
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