Converting from Catholic to presbyterian

Jayball09

Hi Guys

Without getting too deeply into the who/what/whys of the situation I'd like to hear any thoughts on the subject. I want to marry my African girlfriend who is very spiritual and loves her church and her God (as we all do). She does not want to convert to Catholicism.

I would like to hear feedback from people who have gone through the process or are contemplating. Im not open to any debate as I have made my decision. Before I go ahead with it I'd just like some moral guidance.

Thanks,

Jay

StudentDad

Jayball09 wrote: »

Hi Guys

Without getting too deeply into the who/what/whys of the situation I'd like to hear any thoughts on the subject. I want to marry my African girlfriend who is very spiritual and loves her church and her God (as we all do). She does not want to convert to Catholicism.

I would like to hear feedback from people who have gone through the process or are contemplating. Im not open to any debate as I have made my decision. Before I go ahead with it I'd just like some moral guidance.

Thanks,

Jay

I don't know about moral guidance. You've made your decision. Just make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.
Do you want to do it? Not for her or anyone else. It's your decision

SD

veganrun

I'm Catholic myself and while I'm not converting, it has briefly crossed my mind on occasion. One thing I almost immediately felt I would miss is the sacrament of confession. I have to admit I don't know much about Presbyterian beliefs and practices etc, so maybe they have something similar, I'm not sure. Anyway it's one of the things that I felt I would miss.

I suppose that's something to keep in mind, if there aspects you will miss if you convert.

God bless.

Manach

There is a long history and strong weave of spirituality within the Church, so perhaps if you show how these these examples have developed, especially the charismatic elements, then this would show the similarities with the GF's spirituality.

lazybones32

It isn't a process like changing utility servers. You basically stop attending and referring to yourself as Catholic and start attending Presbyterian services and talk to them about becoming a member. If you have been baptised already, there is no need to do so again.

zoomtard

I'm a theologian and a Presbyterian minister-in-training. I was born and raised Catholic; baptised, communed, confirmed.

I had lapsed into an easy sort of atheism in my teens and then during college rediscovered my faith, but in the context of a Presbyterian Church (Lucan).

Feel free to PM me if you want more info but I thought I'd just weigh in in 3 ways:

1) The differences from Catholicism.
2) The distinctives of Presbyterianism.
3) The cultural context.

1)
Presbyterianism is a reform movement of Roman Catholicism, like Lutheranism. We still believe in the church catholic (meaning "universal") and see Roman Catholicism as the biggest part but we think there are errors.

The major error during Reformation times was confusion about salvation. Presbyterians major on grace. While we don't teach the same thing, everyone can now agree that grace is primary in salvation. We are delighted to be able to proclaim that!

Today there are remaining disagreements about the nature of priesthood, what it means when we say Christ is present in communion, the role of Mary, how churches should be governed and what is the precise position of Scripture in the life of Christians.

2)
But talking in static terms about what we disagree over can lead us astray, since we share the same God! Presbyterians share the bible, baptism and Christian ethics with Catholics.

The distinctive contributions that Presbies bring to the wider church is perhaps intellectual. We love reading and studying the Bible. All Christians do of course! But we really major in it. As a result, we're often pretty good at preaching. Sometimes we're too cerebral. Other denominations call us "the Chosen Frozen" because we are stereotypically upright.

But the vision of God that we have been given to preach is vast and grand and all encompassing. So all our thinking does result in action. Presbyterianism encourages activism in the world: culturally, economically, politically, not just in terms of charity. The entire world is charged with God's glory, so everything can be worship.

Our major thinkers are John Calvin and Karl Barth.

3)
In the last generation lots of people became presbyterians in Ireland having been raised Catholic. A good chunk of our young ministers are in that group. The church in the republic is full of different nationalities, cultures and original religious settings. It can be vibrant and lovely. Up North things are more settled, sometimes negatively. But you will probably find great community from thoughtful and committed Christians, and probably a warm reception to practising your faith in ways inflected by Roman Catholicism.

Sorry if this is condescending or patronising. Get in touch if I can help more.

homer911

OP, as a member of a Presbyterian church, I can say that there is really no need to "convert" to presbyterianism. In our church there are a number of Roman Catholics who attend with varying frequency without being members and they are all most welcome and add hugely to our church life. Talking to one lady yesterday who came from 8:30 Mass to our worship service, she feels it gives her something she does not get from Mass due to its structured and homogenous nature.

The only advantages of being a member in the presbyterian church is that you get to attend the AGM and have a say in church finances. You also get to vote on key decisions like who will be the minister, and you have the opportunity to serve on the church committee. (We also have a "Kirk session" which is made up of elected elders and they look after the spiritual welfare of the church). Voting in our church is contingent on being an "active" member - ie contributing to church funds and attending communion.

We would have quite a few husbands and wives where one would be a member and the other not.

When it comes to communion, all those who "love and serve the Lord" are welcome to take part

Please note that if you want to be admitted to membership, there are usually classes and an admission to membership service regardless of your age, but this may be waived depending on your spiritual background where you can be admitted by transfer.