www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Baptismal Sponsors?

Not at the parish I attend. My parish is very diverse and VERY welcoming. I was literally welcomed with open arms. However, through the diversity of ethnicities, the Liturgy and the church building have retained the authentic Eastern Tradition.

Not all Byzantines are as hostile to (ex) Latins as Dr.John.

Columcille

I do wish folks would stop saying that Dr. John is hostile to Latins, ex or otherwise. All I am reading into his posts is a concern that the Eastern traditions (Traditions?) not be expected to be changed or condemned because of other person's personal baggage. If anyone is visiting or wishing to make an Eastern Church your Church home, you should respect their traditions and customs. Question the hows and whys, certainly, but don't condemn or put down what you don't understand. I think Dr. John is doing his best to explain that the Eastern Christian mind doesn't work like the legalistic Latin mind. No better, no worse, just different. God bless Dr. John for his posts, I have learned many things from him.

Don

Dear Fr.,

I understand completely what you say. If that was the extent of it, fine; but it seems that Dr.John has, in the past, also become upset when a Latin Catholic simply asks a question. He has responded in such ways as to tell someone to "do their homework" before coming here. This is a forum where one can learn WITHOUT doing their homework. I can't speak for other Latin Catholics, but for myself, I came here seeking to learn about the Eastern Church, NOT validate Eastern theology in light of Latin doctrine, which Dr.John has stated we do. I would imagine that most Latin Catholics who come here really do want to learn about the Christian East, not pass judgement on it.

I just think some patience and understanding is in order here.

I do agree that reading Dr.John's posts have been very educational for me as well. I'm sure he is a very good man, but I did feel I should voice my opinion about this.

Columcille

"(ex) Latins"

I remember reading here once that one is never an ex-Latin. Heritage is not disposable.

Olga

Olga --

I think we can safely assume that the reference was intended to refer to persons who either (1) are juridically no longer members of the Latin Church (in a juridical/canonical sense it seems appropriate to refer to such as former Latins) or (2) are regular attendees in a non-Latin Church who are, in spiritual terms if not juridical ones, no longer practicing the Latin rite (in this spiritual sense, one could properly refer to such persons as former Latins).

Brendan

Read Brendan's post. That is what I meant.

Columcille

>>>Can I infer from this quote that any Latin Catholic who transfers into an Eastern Catholic Church will always be regarded as an
outsider?<<<

Only if you choose to remain an outsider. Most transfers and converts of my acquaintance are more Orthodox than the Orthodox. They are fully integrated into parish life.

>>>The Melkite clergy also treat me as one of
their own -- sometimes forgetting that I am a Latin deacon and being surprised at my knowledge of the Latin Church!<<<

It's always helpful to have a spy in the enemy camp!