Vatican Admits Breaking Away From “What The Church Once Did”
The Vatican’s Handbook on Ecumenism (December 4) admits breaking with Catholic tradition.
Number 17 claims that Catholics “not only can but indeed must” seek out opportunities to pray with other Christians, yet they should understand that some Christian communities don't practise joint prayer, ”as was once the case for the Catholic Church.” The handbook recommends praying together the psalms and scriptural canticles.
It is easy to show that the demands contained in the handbook oppose Catholic doctrine:
• Synod of Laodicea (363): “No one shall pray in common with heretics and schismatics.”
• Council of Carthage (397): “No one must either pray or sing psalms with heretics.”
• Canon Law (1917): “It is not licit for Catholics to attend or take part in an active way in non-Catholic ceremonies.”
• Congregation of the Holy Office (1949): “Any communication whatsoever in worship must be avoided.”
Handbook 20 recommends that Catholic and other Christian “ministers” preach during each other’s …More
Unfortunately, one aspect of this is licit according to current Catholic doctrine and has been for many years.
The Chruch's official decree on ecumenism "Unitatis Redintegratio" states, "In certain special circumstances, such as the prescribed prayers "for unity," and during ecumenical gatherings, it is allowable, indeed desirable that Catholics should join in prayer with their separated brethren. Such prayers in common are certainly an effective means of obtaining the grace of unity, and they are a true expression of the ties which still bind Catholics to their separated brethren."
What this "Handbook" is advancing, however, is NOT supported by the decree. Namely, expanding praying "in certain special circumstances" "for unity" to including praying with non-Catholics at any time on any topic.
This is heresy!
Not according to Canon Law 751, it isn't. This is certainly a change from established Catholic law and tradition but not, technically, heresy.
I'm from a non Catholic family. I fulfilled any obligation to pray with Protestants long ago
Faith of our fathers not so precious as we thought? I’m not buying what they’re trying to sell.