|
|
 |
Sean, a convert to the Catholic faith
wrote:
|
|
Hi, guys —
- Are baptized Christians, who are converts, then leave the Catholic Church to return to their former or home church, still considered Christians?
Shawn
|
|
{
Are baptized converts who leave the Church and return to their former churches still Christians? }
|
|
Mike replied:
|
Hi, Sean —
Sure! Even those who never joined the Church are Christians and part of the Body of Christ, as long as their baptism was done in a valid manner:
- Using the correct words or form,
"I baptize you, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.", and
- Using the correct matter, pouring water over the candidate's head while these words are being said.
The distinction between a Catholic Christian and non-Catholic Christian is being in full communion with the Church Jesus founded and being in a partial (less) communion.
Over the past few decades we have made some great strides in faith-sharing dialogues between Catholics and non-Catholics:
Mike
|
Sean replied:
|
Thanks Mike!
Please keep me in your prayers. I'm currently back in my home Baptist church. I have felt like a wandering nomad at times . . . just trying to find peace and understanding in this fallen world.
Sean
|
Mike replied:
|
Sure Sean!
I'd be happy to keep you in my prayers. If the spirit draws you, share our site with your Baptist friends. Again, our goal is not to convert people but just clear up misconceptions about the Church.
If any of your Baptist friends have thought about joining our Church, encourage them to consider buying a cheap copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to learn everything we believe as Catholics.
Even if they choose to remain a Baptist, they will at least understand what we believe as faithful Catholics.
Take care,
Mike
|
|
|
|
