There's a pretty big difference between those who "inherit" their schism, so to speak, and those who commit the act. And the catechism is very clear about that. Paragraph 818: "However, one cannot charge with the sin of separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are br…
There's a pretty big difference between those who "inherit" their schism, so to speak, and those who commit the act. And the catechism is very clear about that. Paragraph 818: "However, one cannot charge with the sin of separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers..."
The previous paragraph, meanwhile, refers to the act as damnable.
So I don't think we can point to holy Orthodox or Protestants and just say "see, schism is no big deal."
How is the Holy Mother Church able to invite our separated brothers and sisters back into the fold if we hold such strong feelings of animosity, implying that they know full well what they are doing by their separation resulting from their cultural heritage. It takes time to convince and persuade towards the truth, using reason in the faith. The virtue of humility should moderate those who profess to be righteous in their cause. Obedience to proper authority will be noted more mercifully than self assurance of righteousness on these matters such as the witnesses of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Padre Pio as well as many many other pillars of the faith. Please consider praying for the virtues necessary for holiness in these matters for them and for us.
There's a pretty big difference between those who "inherit" their schism, so to speak, and those who commit the act. And the catechism is very clear about that. Paragraph 818: "However, one cannot charge with the sin of separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers..."
The previous paragraph, meanwhile, refers to the act as damnable.
So I don't think we can point to holy Orthodox or Protestants and just say "see, schism is no big deal."
Grace is a gift from God. If schism cut one off from the life of the Church, then holiness (a consequence of grace) could not follow.
How is the Holy Mother Church able to invite our separated brothers and sisters back into the fold if we hold such strong feelings of animosity, implying that they know full well what they are doing by their separation resulting from their cultural heritage. It takes time to convince and persuade towards the truth, using reason in the faith. The virtue of humility should moderate those who profess to be righteous in their cause. Obedience to proper authority will be noted more mercifully than self assurance of righteousness on these matters such as the witnesses of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Padre Pio as well as many many other pillars of the faith. Please consider praying for the virtues necessary for holiness in these matters for them and for us.