Cork Free Presbyterian Church, 10 Briarscourt
(Annex) Shanakiel, Cork, Ireland
Pastor: Colin Maxwell. Email: colin.maxwell@fpcmission.org
LETTER SENT TO: IRISH TIMES
SUBJECT: USE OF THE TITLE "CATHOLIC"
DATE SENT: 15-03-02
Dear Sir,
It would greatly help the image of this country if we dropped a
sectarian phrase which seems to be on the ascendancy. Unless a man
submits to the teachings of the Pope of Rome, he is automatically
classed as a non Catholic. The Westminster Confession of Faith teaches:
"The catholic or universal Church
which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that
have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head
thereof…" (Ch. 25 para. 1) Para. 6 of the same chapter repudiates the claims of the Pope.
In this context, I may consider myself to be both Catholic and
Protestant at the same time. By classifying me as a non Catholic, I am
isolated with a designation which I reject. I should not need to change
my religion in order to be officially recognised as a member of the
Catholic Church.
Yours faithfully,
Colin Maxwell
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