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Thanks, MQ. I love the Orthodox Easter tradition. I'm not a church-goer, it's mostly out of nostalgia from when I was a kid. But it's a very interesting church with a lot going for it, imo.
Thanks everyone for your support.I will not rule out any denomination and will also look into the orthodox church.
The Greek Orthodox are cool. They have the same "live and let live" vibe exhibited by southern European Catholics. Then, if you live in any major city with a Greek population (and you do), they tend to throw these awesome Greek festivals, with delicious lamb staples and their own unique desserts.
Frannie, I'll say this just one more time. While you're visiting other denominations, include Orthodox on your list. It's like Catholicism without all the baggage. Birth control is a private matter, the Church doesn't get involved. The Church broke with the Catholics, historically, over the issue of Infallibility, so it's on the same page as you, there. If you join the Church, you'd be able to take communion. The priests are not celibate, so no problems on that score. In fact the church requires priests to be married, so they can better relate to their parishioners, and be in a better position to advise them if they seek counseling. I'm just saying, include it on your list. You might find yourself feeling at home there. Best wishes on your journey. Let us know how it goes.
I would think that would be a good idea too! I live in an area where there are many Easter Orthodox Churches - Greek, Russian and Ukrainian.
The Churches are very beautiful, and the services, at least the two I attended are deeply moving.
I think Catholics are jumping ship at the wrong time, just when things are starting to happen.
A growing number of Seattle’s Catholic parishes are saying “no†to Archbishop J. Peter Sartain’s offer that churches become signature gathering points for Referendum 74, the ballot measure to roll back Washington’s recently passed same-sex marriage law
Irish priests reject ‘silencing' of key liberal voice
An influential body representing more than 800 Irish priests has decried the "silencing" of its co-founder and spokesman, Fr Tony Flannery, by the Vatican.
Vienna: Schönborn chooses young gay man for position in parish council
Vienna: Schönborn chooses young gay man for position in parish council - Vatican Insider (http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/world-news/detail/articolo/vienna-wien-austria-14073/ - broken link)
A new survey of grass-roots opinion indicates that the typical Irish Catholic no longer accepts church teaching on a range of issues, mainly to do with sex and gender
I find that statement curious. Most Episcopalians have no problem with gay people (most of the ones that did have left by now), but not all Episcopalians are thrilled with Spong, either. Has nothing to do with gays, but more do with his disbelief in the resurrection and other basics of Christianity.
I've read several books by Bishop Spong, including The Easter Moment, which strongly affirmed my belief in the resurrection. Or, as I recall, Spong made the case that SOMETHING happened, that something which we understand as resurrection. Spong offers some fresh takes on the Bible, which is why I am a fan. But, I read that book some time ago. Has Bishop Spong changed his position?
Ah yes, Leviticus, how could I have forgotten? True, I don't pay much attention to it, since that book also advocates death penalty for having sex with your wife on her period or cursing your parents. Kind of over the top if you ask me.
I am prolife from cradle to grave.I am against abortion(unless the mothers'life is in immediate danger)euthanasia,war,and capital punishment.
I find it a little bit interesting that you describe yourself as pro-life from "cradle" to grave as many pro-lifers would have said from "conception" to grave.
If you are ok with abortion to save the mother's life, then you should know that is really why abortion was legalized in the first place. Women died by the droves from illegal botched abortions. Having said that, lots of pro-choicers are also against abortion, just against government inserting itself into private moral and medical decisions even more.
The ELCA has a number of social statements available on its website, including one on abortion. Here are a couple of tiny excerpts:
"Because we believe that God is the creator of life, the number of induced abortions is a source of deep concern to this church. We mourn the loss of life that God has created. The strong Christian presumption is to preserve and protect life. Abortion ought to be an option only of last resort. Therefore, as a church we seek to reduce the need to turn to abortion as the answer to unintended pregnancies....
As a community of faith we seek to live out our support for life in all its dimensions. We are committed to supporting those who face problematic pregnancies in ways that effectively address their immediate as well as long-term needs. This can include financial, nutritional, medical, educational, social, and psychological, as well as spiritual support."
You will not find the ELCA hosting rallies to overturn Roe v Wade or to pass "personhood" bills or the like, but you will find them fundraising for free clinics, etc.
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I'm not a church-goer, it's mostly out of nostalgia from when I was a kid. But it's a very interesting church with a lot going for it, imo.
