[rzman21]

The Catholic definition of Church means having a valid priesthood and valid sacraments.

That means only the Orthodox are true Churches based on the definition of St. Ignatius of Antioch from 105 A.D.

Chapter 8. Let nothing be done without the bishop

See that you all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm

Ecumenism with Protestants should be limited to the social sphere like charity and fighting militant atheism, that’s it.

The Catholic Church should not alter or water down its teaching to placate Protestants.

[CynicalBear]

>>Let nothing be done without the bishop<<

I suppose Jesus words of “wherever two or three are gathered in my name there am I also” shouldn’t be believed per you scenario there?

[metmom]

The Catholic definition of Church means having a valid priesthood and valid sacraments. That means only the Orthodox are true Churches based on the definition of St. Ignatius of Antioch from 105 A.D.

So much for ONE Catholic church.

How's that unity thing working out for you guys? I'll bet the folks in Rome aren't too happy with your assessment of the situation.

[DennisR]

“That means only the Orthodox are true Churches based on the definition of St. Ignatius of Antioch from 105 A.D.”

And what, pray tell, did “St. Ignatius” say?

[DennisR]

“The Catholic Church should not alter or water down its teaching to placate Protestants.”

And therein lies the problem: “its teaching.” Not Scripture, but “its teaching.” Hate to say it, but catholicism is not the authority - Scripture is. And the renegade Protestants for years have known that “its teaching” is the problem. Like praying to Mary, regarding Mary and the leader of catholicism as sinless. Blasphemy is what that is, pure blasphemy.

(By the way, I am neither Protestant or Catholic.)