Joshua Bennett
There are many different types of Catholics, and it can be confusing to figure out where you fit in. Some people identify as Roman Catholics, while others simply identify as Catholics. The Catholic Church is an umbrella term for several particular churches with distinct histories, liturgies, governance systems, and rules. For instance, the Ethiopian Catholic Church was reorganized into the self-governing Eritrean Orthodox Church in 1994, and in 2015, Pope Francis restructured it into the Eritrean Catholic Church. These nuances within the Catholic Church lead to different beliefs and practices among Catholics, influencing how they perceive and practice their faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| View on the Pope | A great leader and teacher of the church, but may differ with him on some decisions regarding faith and moral practice |
| Belief on artificial birth control | A sin, even when used by married couples |
| Belief on divorce | Tragic but not an unpardonable sin; divorced people who remarry should be welcomed into the church |
| Belief on celibacy | Priests should remain celibate |
| Belief on marriage | A lifetime union of one man and one woman; gay marriage is contrary to God's plan and should not be permitted |
| Belief on Holy Communion | Only Roman Catholics who are properly prepared should receive communion |
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What You'll Learn
Roman or Independent
The key difference between Roman Catholicism and Independent Catholicism is that the former is affiliated with the Catholic Church and the Pope, whereas Independent Catholics are not.
Independent Catholicism is an independent sacramental movement of clergy and laity who self-identify as Catholic but are not affiliated with the Catholic Church. They often form "micro-churches claiming apostolic succession and valid sacraments". The term "Independent Catholic" comes from the fact that these denominations affirm their Catholic tradition and their independence from Rome. It is difficult to determine the exact number of people who make up Independent Catholicism, as the movement is constantly growing and changing. Some adherents choose Independent Catholicism as an alternative way to live and express their Catholic faith outside of the traditional Catholic Church.
The roots of Independent Catholicism can be traced back to the 18th century when a Roman Catholic bishop, Dominique-Marie Varlet, consecrated other bishops without the Vatican's permission. In the 19th century, Joseph René Vilatte, an Old Catholic priest, brought the movement to North America. He founded the American Catholic Church in 1915, which no longer exists. However, during his time there, he consecrated several men, who then became the episcopal ancestors of a wide variety of descendants in North America.
Roman Catholicism, on the other hand, is the Catholic Church that aligns with the Pope, also known as the Patriarch of Rome. A notable split within the Church occurred in 1054 AD, known as the East-West Schism, when the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Patriarch of Rome excommunicated each other. This led to the creation of the Orthodox Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church has also experienced more recent divisions over issues such as contraception and the role of women within the Church.
In summary, the main distinction between Roman and Independent Catholicism lies in their relationship with the Catholic Church and the Pope. While Roman Catholics are affiliated with the Catholic Church and recognise the authority of the Pope, Independent Catholics have separated from the institution and assert their independence from Rome while still identifying as Catholic.
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Birth control
The Catholic Church's stance on birth control is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, the Church officially condemns artificial birth control methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, hormonal birth control pills, and sterilization procedures. This condemnation stems from the belief that sex within marriage should be open to procreation and that deliberately preventing conception is a sin. This belief is supported by biblical teachings and the writings of early Church Fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria and Hippolytus of Rome.
However, the Church does allow for the use of hormonal medications, including chemical contraceptives, for legitimate medical purposes as long as there is no contraceptive intent. Additionally, the Church-approved rhythm method, or Natural Family Planning (NFP), is a form of birth control that involves abstaining from sex during the woman's period of ovulation. While NFP is promoted as a valid option, some Catholics find it unreasonable or ineffective for their situation.
It is important to note that many Catholics do not agree with or follow the Church's teachings on birth control. Surveys show that 98% of Catholics in the United States have used some form of birth control in their lifetime. This discrepancy highlights the diversity of beliefs and practices among Catholics, with many individuals making their own decisions about birth control based on their personal circumstances and conscience.
While the Church's official stance on birth control remains firm, there have been calls for reform and acknowledgement that the teaching is not immune to development. Some Catholics advocate for a more nuanced approach that respects individual conscience and the diverse beliefs and situations of Catholics worldwide. Ultimately, the decision to use birth control is a personal one, and Catholics may disagree with or dissent from the Church's teachings on this matter without committing sacrilege or heresy.
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Divorce
The Catholic Church does not recognise civil divorce as valid because it views marriage as indissoluble. However, this does not mean that divorced individuals are excommunicated or excluded from the Church. On the contrary, divorced Catholics remain full members of the Church and are encouraged to actively participate in its activities and receive spiritual support. Many dioceses and parishes offer programmes, support groups, and resources specifically designed to help divorced individuals navigate the emotional and spiritual challenges they may face.
To remarry within the Catholic Church, individuals must first obtain an annulment of their previous marriage. This process involves presenting their situation to a priest and seeking guidance from Church authorities. The annulment process can be complex and may require individuals to prove the nullity of their previous marriage. While the Church presumes the validity of all marriages, it does recognise certain grounds for annulment, including situations where the marriage was not consummated or in cases of adultery.
It is important to note that the Church's stance on divorce and annulment has been a subject of discussion and interpretation throughout history, with some synods and councils offering ambiguous decisions. Additionally, individuals may have differing opinions on the matter, as seen in the quote, "I believe that divorce between two Catholics is wrong, and the Church should never recognise the divorce of a married Catholic couple."
While navigating divorce as a Catholic can be challenging, the Church encourages individuals to remain close to their faith and seek support through the Sacraments and the wider Church community. Resources such as "Divorce and Beyond" and "The Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide" aim to provide guidance and support during this difficult time.
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Gay marriage
The Catholic Church has been described as sending "mixed signals" regarding its stance on homosexuality and gay marriage. While the Church officially opposes same-sex marriage and actively campaigns against it, it also teaches that gay people "must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity", and that "every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided". This includes discrimination in marriage, employment, housing, and adoption, which the Church considers just and "obligatory" in some circumstances.
The Church's position on gay marriage is based on its interpretation of divine and natural law. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "homosexual acts" are considered grave sins against chastity and are intrinsically disordered. The Church believes that these acts are contrary to natural law as they "close the sexual act to the gift of life" and do not allow for the possibility of procreation. As such, the Church does not recognize gay civil unions as sacramental marriages.
However, the Church has welcomed celibate gay and lesbian people into its community, and there are organizations within the Church that advocate for the rights of LGBT Catholics, such as Outreach Catholic, DignityUSA, and New Ways Ministry. Pope Francis has also expressed support for civil unions to protect gay couples, stating that the state should provide legal protection and benefits to same-sex couples.
Despite these more inclusive statements, there have been instances of LGBTQ+ employees in Catholic schools and parishes being dismissed due to their sexual orientation or support for same-sex marriage. Additionally, some Catholic teachings and interpretations of scripture continue to be a source of conflict and distress for LGBT Catholics and their families.
While the Catholic Church officially maintains its opposition to same-sex marriage, there are diverse perspectives within the Catholic community, with some individuals and organizations advocating for greater inclusion and acceptance of LGBT individuals and their rights, including the right to marry.
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Celibacy
The Catholic Church considers clerical celibacy a discipline rather than a doctrine, and it is not required for all priests. Theologically, the Church teaches that priests act in persona Christi ('in the mask of Christ'), and their celibacy mirrors the chastity of Christ. The sacrifice of married life is deemed to be for the "sake of the Kingdom of Heaven," with priests “married” to the church, viewed as the “Bride of Christ."
While the Church upholds celibacy as a voluntary choice, some critics argue that it is unnatural and causes illicit sexual behaviour. The Church maintains that celibacy is a legitimate vocation, explicitly advocated and practised by Jesus and Paul. The Old Testament also provides an example of mandatory celibacy in the prophet Jeremiah, who was forbidden from marrying as part of his prophetic ministry.
Throughout history, there have been exceptions to the rule of celibacy. In 1951, a married Lutheran pastor was ordained as a Catholic priest in Germany. In the 1980s, married Anglican and Episcopal pastors were ordained as Catholic priests in North America. Additionally, the Eastern Catholic Churches have a tradition of married priests, with the exception of the Ethiopian Catholic Church.
While the Church has acknowledged violations of celibacy vows by clergy, some have been allowed to retain their clerical status. The issue of celibacy remains a subject of debate within the Catholic Church, with some calling for it to be made optional.
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Frequently asked questions
I believe that celibacy is best for those who choose to become priests and that this teaching should be maintained.
or
I believe that priests should be allowed to marry.
I believe that gay marriage is contrary to God's plan for mankind and should not be permitted.
or
I believe that if two people love each other and choose to dedicate their lives to each other, the church should bless and respect that no matter what their gender.
Yes, I believe divorce between two Catholics is wrong and that the church should never recognize the divorce of a married Catholic couple.
or
No, I believe divorce is often tragic, but not an unpardonable sin; divorced people who remarry should be welcomed into the church.
Yes, only those who are Roman Catholics and properly prepared should be allowed to receive communion.
or
No, I believe that the reception of Holy Communion is a sign of the unity of the church and should be open to all.
