Pope John Paul II and Protestants
As the global church prepares for the end of John Paul II’s papacy, CICW’s John Witvliet comments on the pope’s impact on Protestants.
“First of all,” says Witvliet, “one billion of the world’s two billion Christians are Catholics. So, the death of the leader of the Catholic Church is a significant, significant thing for all Christians, including Protestants, despite disagreements they may have with Rome.” ...
The Pope moved the Catholic Church to a more conservative position on theological and worship issues, says Witvliet, renewing an emphasis on prayers to Mary and limiting the abilities of local congregations to adapt worship practices to local customs for example.
“In these areas,” says Witvliet, “Pope John Paul II backed away from the spirit of reform associated with the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II was enormously significant for Protestants, creating new avenues for Catholic-Protestant partnerships. As Catholic worship moved closer to Protestant practice, some Protestants became more open to the ritual and symbol associated with the Catholic Church. Even the recent growth of the use of symbols in the new ‘Emerging Church Movement’ among Protestants reflects these influences.”
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