[Gumdrop]

“Yet, the good part is that the RCC’s claims stand on pretty shaky grounds”

Ridiculous. It is a fact that the Roman Catholic Church can actually trace it’s leadership (i.e. the priests and bishops) back to the apostles. Or were you referring to something else?

Regarding ecumenism - it’s a good thing to have dialogue, but it is not a good thing to ignore facts. One ought to seek the truth, not just what seems the easiest form of religion.

On the other hand, the Pope did not say that other Christian denominations were without merit. And, contrary to many erroneous people’s beliefs, the Catholic Church does not think all Protestants are going to hell, or that all Catholics are bound for heaven. The Pope restated the Catholic belief that many graces come from various congregations. Yet, the church’s stance has always been that the RCC has the fullness of the faith as handed down from the apostles. Since the church has no army to hit people over the head or coerce anyone into joining it, no one should feel threatened by this statement.

[xzins]

Who ordained the Apostle Paul?

[William Terrell]

Since the church has no army to hit people over the head or coerce anyone into joining it, no one should feel threatened by this statement.

Suppose the word going around is that you are a racist. Why feel threatened about it? You know you're not.

[wmfights]

Ridiculous. It is a fact that the Roman Catholic Church can actually trace it’s leadership (i.e. the priests and bishops) back to the apostles.

So! A historic lineage doesn't carry any special authority. What supernatural powers were passed on? Where in Scripture does it tell us that the Apostles would be able to pass on the gifts our LORD infused them with?

[N3WBI3]

"Ridiculous. It is a fact that the Roman Catholic Church can actually trace it’s leadership (i.e. the priests and bishops) back to the apostles. Or were you referring to something else?"

Really the Medici's can be traced back to the Apostles?