Five hundred years ago, Church erupted like a poppy seed pod, spreading seeds in all directions, with each denomination forming its own catechism expressing the various beliefs and interpretations of what Jesus taught. Now, five hundred years later, spiritual descendants of these churches are still loyal to what they have been taught since childhood, for which we can only admire and respect them. It would be neither gracious nor honorable for others to presume to suggest they believe otherwise. That is between themselves and the Holy Spirit, and it is arrogant for anyone to inject himself into so sacred an area that is personal between themselves and God.
As a priest I have always tried to respect what others believe. In teaching a course on scripture, of necessity we must use the teachings of the earliest Fathers of the Church who reflected how the apostles interpreted what Jesus said and meant on many issues that are controverted today. But, this does not mean that I am expecting people who have different interpretations to change their beliefs. And I don’t think anyone ever thought I expected them to. That is between themselves and the Holy Spirit, and must remain that way. However, when someone asks me a blunt question about what I believe, I know everyone expects me to answer honestly and that I always do, but it does not mean that I expecting everyone to accept what I state. And it is for this reason I have always felt comfortable with all who come to our gatherings because they already know and understand that, and feel comfortable with it.
