Roman Catholic Church only true church, says Vatican

[Kabaka]

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/0...an-church.html

Roman Catholic Church only true church, says Vatican
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 | 10:27 AM ET
CBC News
The Vatican issued a document Tuesday restating its belief that the Roman Catholic Church is the only true church of Jesus Christ.

The 16-page document was prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a doctrinal watchdog that Pope Benedict used to head.

Pope Benedict XVI was elected Pope in April 2005.
(Plinio Lepri/Associated Press) Formulated as five questions and answers, the document is titled Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine on the Church.

It says although Orthodox churches are true churches, they are defective because they do not recognize the primacy of the Pope.

"It follows that these separated churches and communities, though we believe they suffer from defects, are deprived neither of significance nor importance in the mystery of salvation," it said.

The document adds that Protestant denominations — called Christian Communities born out of the Reformation — are not true churches, but ecclesial communities.

"These ecclesial communities which, specifically because of the absence of the sacramental priesthood … cannot, according to Catholic doctrine, be called 'churches' in the proper sense," it said.

The document is similar to one written in 2000 by the Pope — who was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger at the time — that sparked an angry reaction from Protestant groups.

The document is issued by Benedict's successor in doctrinal matters, Cardinal William Levada, and endorsed by the Pope, said Reuters.

The decree comes days after liberal Catholic and Jewish groups spoke out against the Pope's move to authorize the wider use of a traditional Latin mass.

The Tridentine mass includes a prayer for the conversion of Jews. Its use was restricted following the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965.

Pope Benedict issued a decree last week authorizing its broader use in an effort to reconcile with followers of an ultratraditional excommunicated bishop.

The Jewish Anti-Defamation League in New York called it a "body blow to Catholic-Jewish relations."

FYI: The Catholic church is also claims to be the only true church (along with LDS). Are there others that claim this?

[JohnLocke]

Doesn't every church claim this?

[SirVLCIV]

I am the only true church.

[cubedbee]

Originally Posted by JohnLocke

Doesn't every church claim this?

No.

[Gentle Giant]

Originally Posted by JohnLocke

Doesn't every church claim this?

Well, just about every church has some definition of what constitutes "true Christianity", and some, like the Catholic church, say "only us". But most other denominations and congregations have a somewhat broader definition than that.

[SamTheEagle]

Sounds like the Pope's ready for a good old-fashioned Catholic versus Protestant throw-down. I was figuring they'd wait until we defeated the moral relativists first, but I'm game if they are.

Gomer, you suck.

Pseud, bite me.

Jack, go to hell.

[tommie frazier]

isn't it claimed every time the creed is recited at mass?

[cubedbee]

Originally Posted by tommie frazier

isn't it claimed every time the creed is recited at mass?

No.

[Mick Fan]

I am Catholic, and went to a Baptist sponsored high school. They sure don't claim Catholics as true Christians. In one session, they talked about "Catholicism and other cults."

[Uncle Darryl]

Originally Posted by Gentle Giant

Well, just about every church has some definition of what constitutes "true Christianity", and some, like the Catholic church, say "only us". But most other denominations and congregations have a somewhat broader definition than that.

Catholic Church doesn't claim only Catholics are Christians, it claims the Catholic Church is the only True Church.