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From: norcio@afn.ifsm.umbc.edu (A. F. Norcio)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian
Subject: The Catholic Church
Message-ID: <Aug.8.03.40.37.1990.12894@athos.rutgers.edu>
Date: 8 Aug 90 07:40:40 GMT
Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu
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Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu

In a recent posting, Yaakov Kayman strongly objected to
Cindy Smith's use of the term Jewish Christian.  I
would like to object just as strongly to her continual
use of the terms Catholic and Catholic Church.  

In the normal usage of the English language when one
hears or sees the terms Catholic and Catholic Church,
one automatically and typically thinks of those Churches
that are in union with one of the major Metropolitan
Sees and recognizes the Pope (Patriarch of the West, Bishop
of Rome) as the Supreme Pontiff of the One, Holy, Catholic,
and Apostolic Church.  Specifically, these Churches include
only the following:

	 1) The Roman Catholic Church (Latin Rite)
	 2) The Ambrosian Catholic Church (Latin Rite)
	 3) The Lyonnaise Catholic Church (Latin Rite)

	 4) The Coptic Orthodox Catholic Church (Alexandrian Rite)
	 5) The Ethiopian Catholic Church (Alexandrian Rite)

	 6) The Malankar Orthodox Catholic Church (Antiochene Rite)
	 7) The Maronite Catholic Church (Antiochene Rite)
	 8) The Syrian Orthodox Catholic Church (Antiochene Rite)
  
	 9) The Armenian Apostolic Catholic Church (Armenian Rite)

	10) The Bulgarian Orthodox Catholic Church (Byzantine Rite)
	11) The Greek Orthodox Catholic Church (Byzantine Rite)
	12) The Melchite Catholic Church (Byzantine Rite)
	13) The Romanian Orthodox Church (Byzantine Rite)
	14) The Russian Orthodox Church (Byzantine Rite)
	15) The Ruthenian Orthodox Catholic Church (Byzantine Rite)
	16) The Ukrainian Catholic Church (Byzantine Rite)

	17) The Chaldean Catholic Church (Chaldean Rite)
	18) The Malabarese Catholic Church (Chaldean Rite)

It is apparently necessary to mention specifically that this
list does not include either the Anglican Church or the
Anglican Rite.  

Cindy Smith's many postings are very misleading.  First, it
may well be appropriate for all Protestants, including
Episcopalians/Anglicans, to consider themselves as part of the 
catholic (i.e., universal) church.  But it is entirely 
inappropriate and inaccurate for any Protestant Church to
consider itself as part of the Catholic Church and likewise
to refer to themselves as Catholics.

Further, it is clearly appropriate to state opinions.  But
to state opinions in such a way so as to give the impression
that one is pronouncing the official position of the Catholic
Church is deceptive.  This is especially troublesome when the 
opinions are canonically incorrect as far as Catholic Church
Theology is concerned.  This tactic merely furthers engenders
misunderstandings, animosity and harsh feelings between Catholicism 
and Protestantism.

In addition, the Catholic Church has a long history and over
its history has developed a moderately well-defined jargon 
in which to express theological concepts and ideas.  To use
terms and phrases in an uninformed way is again merely adding to
the confusion of Protestants and Catholics as well.  I can not
imagine what the motivation is for doing this.

Finally, in my opinion game-playing with words is not at all
consistent with ecumenical spirit to which all Christians
should be committed.

[High church Anglicans use the term Catholic to refer to a somewhat
broader Catholic tradition, which includes the Roman Catholic Church
but is not limited to it.  This wing of the church is often referred
to as "Anglo-Catholic".  So it is a use of the term "Catholic" that
has some tradition behind it, although it's certainly a less common
use than the one you are used to.  Cms does identify herself as
Episcopalean on a fairly regular basis, but I agree that some postings
might be misleading to new readers of this group.  I'll leave it to
cms to decide what to do.  --clh]