Whenever someone says that Catholics aren’t Christians it saddens me. If it were not for the Catholic church Christianity today wouldn’t exist. Catholics represent over a billion believers in Jesus Christ and did all the heavy lifting in the early church. They worship Jesus, not Mary as some would believe. Many protestants are ill-informed about what Catholics are all about due to what they have been taught by their clergy who seem to ignore Church history. Scripture is not the only guide in the lives of believers. The church existed long before The Bible and much of faith was transmitted by oral tradition and customs passed down from one believer to another.
Think about how many colleges, schools, orphanages and hospitals have been founded by those people of Catholic faith who follow the examples of grace, peace, piety and most importantly love. Mother Teresa and many of the saints of the church who have written creeds, prayers and more have been Catholics.
I am an Episcopalian and by faith I am closely related spiritually to my Catholic brothers and sisters who I can tell you are more Christian than some you see on TV. Catholic also means Universal which there is a church Universal which includes all of Christianity. I don’t even have a problem with the role of The Pope.
Yes Catholics have had some serious issues over the years which lead to the Protestant Reformation and the split of people of the United Kingdom from the church during the reign of King Henry the VIII. In modern times documented issues of abuse have damaged their reputation but there are probably just as many protestant churches who have skeletons in their closets.
For a protestant to say that Catholics are not Christians is coming from a place of willful ignornance and disrespect.
I don’t agree with their stand on women in the priesthood and they have a way to go in other gender and sexuality issues but good things take time to change. The Eucharist I believe can be open in their tradition while maintaining their spiritual views on the bread and wine. Many of my Catholic friends are progressively minded and they will be a part of the changes of the Church in the future.
The Tony Burgess Blog 
We have neighbors who are Pentecostals. They have not heard of the Pope and the Vatican and they believe Catholics are not Christians , and we worship the devils. That’s what their 10 year old daughter who was my friend and classmate told. That ‘s what their preacher preach.
By the way, Episcopalian Church used to be called American Catholic Church. One time, our parish priest got sick and the other available priest was out of town… anEpiscopal pastor held the Sunday Mass for the parish.
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Ooops correction… ” told me”
” preaches “
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That is a shame. Some protestants are woefully ill-informed about their church history and the saints.
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I’m a Catholic, well more of a lapsed Catholic due to issues like the sexual abuse and the subsequent cover-ups, women not being allowed to be priests, priests not being allowed to marry, treatment of LGBTs, abortion, and there’s probably some other things I could come up with. That said, I had no idea that people saw us as being non-Christrian. Wow! I seriously need to do some research!
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I wrote a blog one of these issues if you want to read!
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Beautifully said Tony! This Catholic says thank you!
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This post made me smile so big! I don’t agree with you about the last paragraph… part of the beauty of our tradition is that it doesn’t change… but it is really nice to hear from a non-Catholic who is more focused on finding common ground than listening to false rumors 🙂
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That’s the thing about religion it separates us and yet the root command remains love your neighbour as you love thyself
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I grew up in a Catholic family. I went to Catholic school till college. People would ask what religion I identify with, and I always respond Catholic. I know a lot of people have misconception about the religion as a whole, and it truly saddens me.
In college, a friend’s parents didn’t like me because I was Catholic. While I didn’t actively worship anymore (hadn’t for years), I felt I couldn’t share my past because of people’s prejudice. I still get funny looks for ignorant people who ask.
I do appreciate you speaking about this and trying to educate. 👍🏻
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Thank you so much for this article Tony. I abide by the Catholic teachings. I wonder why some people who belong to another religion says that we are not Christians….so sad really to hear that.
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I don’t have an answer for that. Probably has something to do with the Pope and Mary. Could be other reasons such as ignorance and lack of proper theological education.
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agree with most of what you are saying, it is just the last paragraph I find a bit problematic. But the main message is very true!
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Well said but like many here I don’t agree with the last paragraph.
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Good post you wrote. Roman Catholics are Christians. I’m only going to guess from my own observation that whenever a Christian — who isn’t Catholic — states that “Catholics aren’t Christians” that Christian is only stating a “Protestant” evaluation of Catholicism or a mistrust of the Catholic version of Christianity.
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I’m an Episcopalian and people aren’t sure what to think of us.
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In Canada and the UK we call you Anglicans 🙂
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Yep, I am an Anglican in the global community.
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I’ve talked with many Christians of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox denominations.
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Honestly, the only true Christian in 21st century countries is the one who doesn’t get into these fussy and petty theological debates. Or I mean that a useful Christian in any society today is the one who actually represents their Christian church as a group of people who do charity, who also genuinely get along, and who try to avoid fights with any other religion.
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Thank you for this post. As a Catholic it makes me feel good to see someone writing something good about us for a change, besides other Catholics. I am a convert and have been for many years now. All I can say is, “The Catholic Church has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.” I will never leave it.
Being that said, Protestants are also wonderful believers. Many do wonderful things and their love as well flows to others. I live for the day when we can all become “one in Christ.”
It is hard at times to go through life feeling as if you are so hated because of the Church you go to. Being called everything from a pagan to an idol worshiper. Being sent to hell over and over again, especially by those who profess to “love God,” an me. Gets kind of confusing, if you know what I mean. You “love me,” and with the same breath “you send me to hell????”
Post such as this give me hope and again I thank you. God Bless, SR
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