American Catholics

[Frank_T_More]

I am a regular tourist to the US, a Roman Catholic from Scotland, and have attended mass in various States (California, Nevada, Florida, New York) during my holidays (sorry, vacations).
The views expressed from the pulpit have varied but whilst in Santa Monica I was quite shocked at the tone of the sermon which in essence was a call for more tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality within society.
On some of these forum submissions I also read of pro-abortion and pro-gay marraige ‘catholics’.
The impression I have from these experiences is that many so called catholics in the US are in fact people whose views are totally contrary to the churches teachings, my own beliefs and those of most Europeans with whom I communicate.
Although these good people may attend mass etc - they are deluding themselves and should in fact be looking for an alternative quasi-catholicism which fits in with their lifestyle and beliefs.
Am I wide of the mark?

 

[MerryCatholic]

hi there,

likely you’re experience is only limited to the places where you visited. American Catholics as a whole have never accepted pro-gay parishes and pro-abortion Catholics. I have never heard of this in the USA. if it is occuring then it needs to be brought to the attention of the local bishop whom I guarentee you will not tolerate it. as a matter of fact, i have never in my 44 years ever ran across anyone in the Catholic faith who is pro abortion or pro gay. never.

 

[Robert_Burns]

I am a regular tourist to the US, a Roman Catholic from Scotland, and have attended mass in various States (California, Nevada, Florida, New York) during my holidays (sorry, vacations).
The views expressed from the pulpit have varied but whilst in Santa Monica I was quite shocked at the tone of the sermon which in essence was a call for more tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality within society.
On some of these forum submissions I also read of pro-abortion and pro-gay marraige ‘catholics’.
The impression I have from these experiences is that many so called catholics in the US are in fact people whose views are totally contrary to the churches teachings, my own beliefs and those of most Europeans with whom I communicate.
Although these good people may attend mass etc - they are deluding themselves and should in fact be looking for an alternative quasi-catholicism which fits in with their lifestyle and beliefs.
Am I wide of the mark?

Unfortunately you are right on the mark. But it isnt just a problem in America. Have you been to Belgium or Germany? Same story. there are progressives within the Church. In fact , in viewing the Pope’s Visit to Great Britain this past weekend - I saw three interviews with Women who are attempting to be “Ordained” to the “Priesthood”. I found it quite ironic that they chose to report on these women rather than the visit itself. In addition , The Pope was meeting with Rowan Williams and we all know about the Anglican Stance on consecrating openly Homosexual Bishops . So this is the world in which we live. It isnt only happening in America.

 

[zab]

I am a regular tourist to the US, a Roman Catholic from Scotland, and have attended mass in various States (California, Nevada, Florida, New York) during my holidays (sorry, vacations).
The views expressed from the pulpit have varied but whilst in Santa Monica I was quite shocked at the tone of the sermon which in essence was a call for more tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality within society.
On some of these forum submissions I also read of pro-abortion and pro-gay marraige ‘catholics’.
The impression I have from these experiences is that many so called catholics in the US are in fact people whose views are totally contrary to the churches teachings, my own beliefs and those of most Europeans with whom I communicate.
Although these good people may attend mass etc - they are deluding themselves and should in fact be looking for an alternative quasi-catholicism which fits in with their lifestyle and beliefs.
Am I wide of the mark?

If I visited Scotland, would I never run into a priest who preached contrary to Church teachings? I am sorry that you have had such a negative experience in all of the churches that you visited in different states. But we do have many priests who are loyal to the majesterium. My pastor is one of them.

 

[pigtown]

It’s a sad fact that there are many pro-choice “Catholics” here in the US. Many of them are in leadership roles in our government. Please don’t think that all Catholics in the US are living against the Church’s teachings. Most of us are in accordance.
We have pro-life stickers and magnets on our car. One day my husband had stopped to put gas (petrol) in the car and a man went to him and told him that he isn’t Catholic but he believes in the messages on our car. I didn’t think anyone paid attention to the messages but apparently they do make an impact!

 

[hartleymartin]

If you want to see rampant liberalism… visit any parish church in Queensland, Australia.

At the moment the diocese of Sydney, Melbourne and Wagga Wagga (yes that’s a real place name) are the ones that have remained truest to the faith. The others are very… liberal…

 

[Dale_M]

The impression I have from these experiences is that many so called catholics in the US are in fact people whose views are totally contrary to the churches teachings, my own beliefs and those of most Europeans with whom I communicate.

I am wondering if the sharp decline in the percentage of Europeans who identify as Catholic means that only the orthodox remain, and those who disagree with Church teachings simply leave the Church. If so, is that a good thing?

 

[Scoobyshme]

You are right on the mark. Most American Catholics are grossly ignorant of Church teaching, or even what the Church is. And, unfortunately, we even have some clergy who either don’t know what the Church teaches in all areas (yes, this is true!), or have rejected the Church’s teachings in favor of some “theologian’s ideas.” Pride always makes one vulnerable to the father of lies, and blind to Christ’s truths.

We do have many faithful priests and bishops, though, especially the younger ones!

 

[Frank_T_More]

Undoubtedly.

 

[JRKH]

I am wondering if the sharp decline in the percentage of Europeans who identify as Catholic means that only the orthodox remain, and those who disagree with Church teachings simply leave the Church. If so, is that a good thing?

Frankly yes it is a good thing. It improves the ability of the Church to teach since these “quasi-catholics” are no longer spreading their false teachings and confusing others on wht the church actually teaches.

When I was away from the Church I refused to identify myself as Catholic. I was always say that I was raised Catholic and basically left at that. I think it is deplorable for people to hold positions contrary to clear church teachings and still call themselves catholics. It is dishonorable to do so.

Peace
James

 

[Frank_T_More]

If I visited Scotland, would I never run into a priest who preached contrary to Church teachings? I am sorry that you have had such a negative experience in all of the churches that you visited in different states. But we do have many priests who are loyal to the majesterium. My pastor is one of them.

I slightly mis-led you in so far as my experiences in the various parishes I visited were not all negative - they were different, not bad, but reflecting a different culture. Only in Santa Monica was I disappointed and concerned with content of the priest’s sermon.
If a priest in Scotland were to repeat this sermon his reign would be short and sweet - I can assure you.

 

[floresco]

The views expressed from the pulpit have varied but whilst in Santa Monica I was quite shocked at the tone of the sermon which in essence was a call for more tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality within society.

The Catholic teaching on this is summarized in the Catechsim which says:2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.

So if that is what you heard in the sermon, it was a good one. Homosexual people should be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Homosexual behaviour, on the other hand is a sin. I have encountered errors on both sides. There are those who do not respect the human dignity of homosexual people and there are those who do not acknowledge the sinfulness of homosexual acts.

 

[colmcille1]

If you want to see rampant liberalism… visit any parish church in Queensland, Australia.

At the moment the diocese of Sydney, Melbourne and Wagga Wagga (yes that’s a real place name) are the ones that have remained truest to the faith. The others are very… liberal…

Hi hartleymartin,
I visited your great country two years ago. My stay coincided with WYD. It was refreshing to see so many young people proclaiming their joyous Faith.
I think Cardinal Pell is an excellent Church leader.
I thoroughly enjoyed the weekly Mass in the NSW town in which I stayed.
Long may you True Australians rejoice and spread the Good News!
God Bless,
Colmcille.