Pope: Don't proselytize, and why not to

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Isn’t that the issue, though? Any talk of “right belief” is seen as proselytizing. Many Catholic clerics actively participate in ecumenical, multifaith prayer services and events now, and as far as I know, I doubt they are using that platform to expound on the truths as claimed by the Catholic Church.

Does the Church even believe its necessary to convert non-Catholics to the Faith anymore?
 
Baha’is have a principle of not proselytizing:

“…turn away, through any act that might be misconstrued as an attempt to proselytize and bring undue pressure upon them, those whom they wish to win over to their Cause’”
Code: 
(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 592)
“Proselytizing implies bringing undue pressure to bear upon someone to change his Faith. It is also usually understood to imply the making of threats or the offering of material benefits as an inducement to conversion.”
(Compilations, NSA USA - Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities)
 
rcwitness said:
This, I think, is probably what Francis is trying to get at.

We should not merely try to argue what the right “belief” is, but demonstrate the right belief through action and devotion and with the kindness, love and understanding of our Lord.
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I believe St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel always and, when necessary, use words.”
 
Michael_Mayo said:
Yes, living the Good News without a chip on my shoulder and making that preferential option for the poor… and there are many kinds of poverty.
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And I’d like to add that rich and influential people need as much saving as the poor ones. The poor sometimes live a better and richer lives than the rich who has everything and yet there is much hollowness in their lives. And Jesus knew this implicitly in Mat 19:23-24.
 
Originally Posted by Entwhistler View Post
I believe St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel always and, when necessary, use words.”
It’s a popular phrase for those who are uncomfortable proclaiming the Truth of Jesus Christ and His Church, the Catholic Church, however it’s questionable whether he ever said it.
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I was thinking more along the lines of debating/argumentation. You can win an argument and lose a soul for sure. That is the point when living the faith makes all the difference. I think prudence comes into play when deciding whether to proclaim the Gospel or attract people to it by living it.
 
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