The Diversity of Unity: Are Catholics Christians? – w/ Michael Donaldson

March 21, 2024

In this episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” host Kevin Mannoia engages in a conversation with Michael Donaldson, senior director for the Office of Life, Justice and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, about the common misconceptions surrounding Catholicism and Christianity. They discuss various aspects of the Catholic faith, clarifying common misunderstandings and highlighting the core Christian beliefs that Catholics and Protestants share. Through a respectful dialogue, they explore topics such as the veneration of Mary and the saints, the significance of confession, the symbolism of incense in worship, and the role of sacraments in expressing and reaffirming one’s faith in Christ.Key TakeawaysClarifying Catholic Beliefs: Understanding the Catholic perspective on Mary, the saints, and sacraments, emphasizing that Catholics do not worship Mary or the saints but honor them as role models of faith.Symbolism in Worship: Exploring the meaning behind the use of incense in Catholic worship as a symbol of prayers rising to heaven and creating a sacred space.Confession and Intercession: Discussing the role of confession in Catholicism, where the priest acts as a vessel for God’s forgiveness, and the concept of saints interceding on behalf of believers.Daily Affirmation of Faith: Highlighting the Catholic practice of daily affirming faith in Christ, especially through the Eucharist, reinforcing the idea that conversion and salvation are ongoing processes.Helpful Bible ReferencesHebrews 12:1: The “cloud of witnesses” representing the communion of saints.Luke 1:38: Mary’s example of faith and submission to God’s will.James 5:16: The importance of confessing sins to one another.KeywordsUnity, Diversity, Catholicism, Christianity, Faith, Sacraments, Mary, Saints, Confession, Eucharist, WorshipHelpful LinksKevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com Office of Life, Justice, and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles: https://lifejusticeandpeace.lacatholics.org/ One Life L.A.: https://www.onelifela.org/ By Your Side, Los Angeles: https://www.byyoursidela.org/ About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.Email: [email protected]: https://anchoredandreaching.com

Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Incoming Elders
Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Incoming Elders

The Free Methodist Church in Southern California proudly introduces our incoming Elders for 2025. These nine leaders have completed their journey toward ordination and represent diverse ministry contexts across our conference. Each brings unique gifts and perspectives while sharing a commitment to our core values of life-giving holiness, love-driven justice, and Christ-compelled multiplication.

This video introduces:
• Liz Cornell – Commission Church, Rancho Cucamonga
• Brian Scott – Foothill Community Church, Azusa
• Eleitino Tuiasosopo – Chapel of Change, Paramount
• Andrea Vaudrey – Commission Church, Rancho Cucamonga
• Reginald Wadlington – Centerpoint Church, Murrieta
• Jaime Winslow – Foothill Community Church, Azusa
• Meg Wolfgram – Santa Barbara Free Methodist Church, Santa Barbara
• Jessica Zittel – The Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore
• Paul Zittel – The Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore

Please join us in celebrating these leaders as they prepare for ordination at our Annual Conference.

FMCSC Annual Conference 2025: “Generation to Generation: His Power, His Glory, Our Future” May 16-17, 2025 at CenterPoint Church, Murrieta

Learn more and register: https://ac25.fmcsc.org

Follow us: @the_fmcsc
#FMCSCAC2025 #FreeMethodistChurch #SouthernCalifornia #Ordination #Elders

Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates
Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates

Join us in welcoming the Free Methodist Church in Southern California’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates (CMCs). These emerging leaders represent the future of our denomination and embody our commitment to bringing wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities.
This video introduces:

• Daniel Garzaro González – Avenue Church, Riverside
• Caitlin Jordan – Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore
• Mia Shin – Formation Church, San Luis Obispo
• Christopher Spolar – Expressions Church, Pasadena
• Moriah Summers – Avenue Church, Riverside

We invite you to pray for these candidates as they complete their ordination journey.

FMCSC Annual Conference 2025: “Generation to Generation: His Power, His Glory, Our Future” May 16-17, 2025 at CenterPoint Church, Murrieta

Learn more and register: https://ac25.fmcsc.org

Follow us: @the_fmcsc
#FMCSCAC2025 #FreeMethodistChurch #SouthernCalifornia #MinisterialCandidates

Fresh Oil, Fresh Anointing: Breaking Spiritual Bondage with Bishop Kenny Martin
Fresh Oil, Fresh Anointing: Breaking Spiritual Bondage with Bishop Kenny Martin

Bishop E. Kenneth Martin delivers a prophetic challenge to the Free Methodist Church, confronting deep-rooted issues of spiritual bondage, systemic oppression, and the church’s complacency. “Churches are dying in a cage,” he declares, calling for a radical shift in how the church addresses:

– Spiritual chains of sin and oppression
– Historical and ongoing impacts of slavery
– Diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges
– The church’s reluctance to engage difficult conversations
– Breaking free from “nasty” church politics and self-serving leadership

“This is a season of manifestation,” Martin says, urging a breakthrough from 2025 to 2035 that will transform the church locally and globally.

#ChurchTransformation #SpiritualFreedom #RacialReconciliation #ChurchReform #HolySpirit