Protestant Prayer Group?

[lvmyfam]

I was invited to join a prayer group of moms praying for our children and their school. I attended a couple of sessions and enjoyed it very much, however, I’ve since read the organization’s Faith Statement which states that the Bible is “the only infallible, authoritative Word of God in all matters of faith and conduct”, and the Core Beliefs statement adds “We all adhere to the …Statement of Faith”.

As a Catholic, I believe in the infallibility and authority of the Pope, so I don’t agree with and can’t adhere to the Statement of Faith. Although I’d like to continue attending the group, I feel that my attendance constitutes ageement.

Any thoughts?

 

[lutherlic]

I was invited to join a prayer group of moms praying for our children and their school. I attended a couple of sessions and enjoyed it very much, however, I’ve since read the organization’s Faith Statement which states that the Bible is “the only infallible, authoritative Word of God in all matters of faith and conduct”, and the Core Beliefs statement adds “We all adhere to the …Statement of Faith”.

As a Catholic, I believe in the infallibility and authority of the Pope, so I don’t agree with and can’t adhere to the Statement of Faith. Although I’d like to continue attending the group, I feel that my attendance constitutes ageement.

Any thoughts?

Ask them if this is intentional.

I remember a previous thread on a similar situation. When the OP spoke to them, they were open to adjustments.

 

[rebecca123]

I think if you explain to them that you are Catholic and cannot agree with their statement of Faith about the sola scriptura, they will be understanding and happy to have you join! They should be able to understand this.

 

[Barbkw]

I joined an ecumenical event “Crop Walk” that was hosted at a local non-Catholic church.

After the event, I was walking down the church’s main hall and was delayed from leaving by three ladies who were standing near the door and talking in rather loud voices.

One lady said to the other two ladies, “The device I had implanted will stop contraception for a year.”

This ecumenical stuff…it’s real interesting out there.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I was once a part of an ecumenical prayer group. There was no statement of faith and it was all very tolerant and genuine, but something just didn’t feel right. Things were missing for me because it was all very protestant in nature. At one point I just didn’t want to continue with that and found a Catholic prayer groups. Any chance of you finding something that will not compromise your beliefs and that will give you what you need spiritually?

 

[InspiritCarol]

I was invited to join a prayer group of moms praying for our children and their school. I attended a couple of sessions and enjoyed it very much, however, I’ve since read the organization’s Faith Statement which states that the Bible is “the only infallible, authoritative Word of God in all matters of faith and conduct”, and the Core Beliefs statement adds “We all adhere to the …Statement of Faith”.

As a Catholic, I believe in the infallibility and authority of the Pope, so I don’t agree with and can’t adhere to the Statement of Faith. Although I’d like to continue attending the group, I feel that my attendance constitutes ageement.

Any thoughts?

Ouch for two reasons: 1 - it’s pretty much a direct assault against the one true church
2. it’s an assault on basic logic: … who’s interpreting the “infallible, authoritative Word of God in all matters of faith and conduct”; I mean it’s not like we all clearly agree on all things therein.

Ask yourself: do you really want to go there; meaning do you want to engage these mothers in conversations they are neither prepared for nor desirous of having? After one such encounter you will not only not be welcome back; you very well may ruin the good-will of the group in general.
OR would you rather just pray with some decent though sadly misguided folk?

Personally I *love *praying with our simple Christian brethren. I am always upfront about the fact that I am Catholic and I would never affirm such anti-Catholic statements. BUT it is rude and counterproductive to try to work out our differences when that is not the reason that we are there.

 

[lvmyfam]

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut everyone. It’s a dilemma for me because the women in the local group are all friendly and welcoming AND they’re the mothers of my sons’ friends! The Faith Statement itself was developed by the international organization that governs the group, and I did send them an email, although I haven’t received a reply. In the meantime, I think I’ll have to bow out of the group and say a Rosary for them!

 

[TimothyH]

I joined an ecumenical event “Crop Walk” that was hosted at a local non-Catholic church.

After the event, I was walking down the church’s main hall and was delayed from leaving by three ladies who were standing near the door and talking in rather loud voices.

One lady said to the other two ladies, “The device I had implanted will stop contraception for a year.”

This ecumenical stuff…it’s real interesting out there.

This is an extremely important point.

We must be very careful who we associate with lest we cause scandal, or the appearance that we are approving of views which are not consistent with the Catholic faith (AKA sins).

-Tim-

 

[SurlyMermaid]

I’m new to Christianity and wouldn’t have thought I would feel this way (I thought I would be more ecumenical and such).

After attending a mothers’ group at our local CC yesterday, my perspective changed.

Find or organize a Catholic group! I got more out of yesterday than I had even anticipated. There is a difference.

Let us know how it goes!!

CarrieAnne

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Well having experience with such groups many years past, I can almost assure you, you’ll go through the same things.

For one, they are most open and welcoming for you to share the things they believe.

However, they’ll eventually demand that you reject what they reject and Catholic doctrines, espcially about the Blessed Mother , they reject.

Unless this is a really open pregressive group, your Catholic faith will not be accepted and perhaps not even tolerated.

Jim