General Chat

try again,

isn't wanting to pray with your aunt, or anyone who has there own preferred choice of prayer method ( a bit of an awkward phrase but it will do) putting a barrier UP rathen than taking one down? when if one just accepted that people choose to pray differently leaves no barrier at all, all prayers go to the same place, and theoretically you should be able to 'share' the prayers because you both know their destination, even if the source is in different rooms, different churches, or even the pub.

Island. I truly think we would both have enjoyed praying together that morning.

It is not easy to pray with someone from a different denomination, but it can be immensely rewarding. And I did want to learn about quite a close relative, particularly how she communicated with God.

I remember we had a monthly ecumenical service when we lived in Whitchurch, Salop in late 80's. We would meet in Anglican Church, RC chapel, Methodist church, Baptist, Pentecostal and URC in turn. And the minister of each church would lead and not in their own church. And we would all pray as we felt able.

It was noticeable that the only Catholic who ever prayed was the priest. All the lay people in other denominations had a go, even if they read their prayer from a book.

I'm trying really hard to write a response, but it is very difficult, because I appreciate I'm an 'oddball'.... so I don't think I can lol.

John, I am surprised that you did not understand what your aunt meant.

Yes, rosary beads are used for a set of prayers, in a rather meditative way.

Oh yes, SueM. She would be very welcome. Talking, discussing and meeting together begins to break down barriers formed by a thousand years of suspicion and plenty of violence.

Even Susan would be welcome :-0 :-0 :-0 Even though her attitude is insular and not ecumenical???

Rose. I met this aunt via family history. She has recently died aged 96 and I met her when she was a sprightly 82 for first time.

We got on like a house on fire and soon found that we were both very interested in religion and knew the Lord as our Saviour. At 10.30am she said "I now have to say my daily devotions" . I said I would love to pray with her and she just said "my prayers are not your prayers. You can sit in the front room and say your own prayers whilst you wait".

I did that, but would have rather prayed with her. She used a rosary bead and presumably she had a set form of prayers, whereas I just pray as the Spirit leads. She was a very humble and genuine Christian who would have been very welcome at any church I have belonged to. And I am sure same would apply to Susan or any Catholic friend.

I too and thought over the past 10 yrs both chruches RC and CofE more or less aligned their prayers, for instance in the CofE I have heard the vicar say Holy Mary mother of God which they never used to, also there are now more prayers where we will respond or reply to the Vicar didnt use too, the only thing I have never seen practiced is CofE crossing them selves....I got smacked once as a child of fmy mum for copying my cousins in chruch and crossing myself. :-D

Sorry my post is out of synch, I was thinking :-D

"I dislike the fact that I cannot pray with my Catholic aunt because we have different prayers. "

John I 'm perplexed, Unless I am sadly out of touch do not all Christian churches RC and Methodist etc say the 'Our Father'?

To be honest, I couldn't care less about catholic priests or protestant, Jewish, Muslim priests either.
Totally bloody bored with all these religious threads and with all the religious bigotry.
Give it a rest. :-| :-| :-| :-| :-| :-| :-| :-| :-| :-| :-| :-|


George :-| :-| :-|

I dont think anyone is really in belief that their opinion will reach the Vatican :))),,,,,,,,but the OP is no different than having a chat about it in the pub,cafe,or other with a group of people,

Same way a footballer is chatted about over a pint about anything topical or news worthy.

John,Unless you subscribe to all faiths you cant partake in the activities ,,but you wont be refused entry. :-)

Susan. I can only think that you have not yet read my response properly to your thoughtful post.of 22.26. I think your post was a good post, and summarises what a lot of Catholics feel about this question.

I think that attitude is disappointing. Just my personal view. And I was definitely not arguing with you - you have your opinion, I have mine.

I completely understand your post Susan, and agree with what you say :-D

Errol. I agree with almost all of your post. I did comment that I cannot take wine in some Protestant services in previous post.

We really struggle in all churches with this problem that we regulars are familiar with certain traditions, and they can be a real discouragement for a church newcomer. I did give an example a few weeks ago when eight of us arrived for a service and a man from the pub next door said he didn't like churches but would we have our service in the pub instead. He organised a room and coffee for us all and we had a wonderful evening discussing what we believed and what we doubted :-D :-D

So some churches at least try very hard to help break barriers down.

You are making of it what you want John......I am not saying that at all...?read my post again because I am not intending getting into a conversation with you while you twist what I say to suit yourself......I didn't want to join this thread as I knew it would be contentious.....but added in a way I thought wouldn't need an argument.....

Not a smacked wrist at all. Sorry you think I am condescending.

No, I was disappointed. Not in you, but in your views. You appear to me to be saying " It is our club, so butt out everybody else".

It is not your club, it is not the Pope's club. It is a branch of Christianity. It is a vital part of what we Protestants pray for almost every week when we pray for the holy and catholic church of Jesus Christ.

I think that works both ways.
Many low church services include things like the Lord's Prayer sung to a strange tune, unfamiliar "choruses" etc etc which can prove somewhat exclusive and uncomfortable for visitors.
Also, some churches will not in theory allow you to take communion if you have not been "born again", baptised etc.
So although some have pointed the finger at the catholic church, I think that all denominations have their problems and exclusivity

I am not really interested in smacked wrists from yourself John. I find your comments condescending....but hey Ho.....I suppose you have a right to post whatever you want.

Susan. I think your post is disappointing. I agree that whether priests or nuns are allowed to marry is a matter for Roman Catholics alone.

But your attitude is very insular and not ecumenical.
I dislike the fact that I cannot pray with my Catholic aunt because we have different prayers.
I dislike the fact that I am not supposed to take the wafer and wine during a Catholic mass.
I dislike the fact that I cannot take bread and wine in "closed" Protestant services.

For goodness sake, a Christian is someone born again who knows the blood of Christ applied. They can be Catholic, Strict Baptist, Congregational, Wesleyan Reform Church, Brethren, Quakers. It makes not a jot of difference to God - and should make not a jot of difference to any true Catholic or Protestant.

I think your point about lifelong vows for existing priests and nuns is a good one