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

Annual Conference 2024 – Highlights
Annual Conference 2024 – Highlights

Experience the best moments from the 2024 Annual Conference of the Free Methodist Church in Southern California! This highlight video features inspiring interviews with attendees, showcasing their insights and experiences. Enjoy exciting footage from the event, capturing the essence of our theme, “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement.” See how our leaders and participants are embracing shared leadership, creative collaboration, and spiritual growth. Visit our website for more details: https://ac24.pacificcoastnetwork.org.

#FMCSC #AnnualConference2024 #Highlights #CommunityEngagement #FaithInAction

Annual Conference 2024 – Morning Devotional with Ann Hansen
Annual Conference 2024 – Morning Devotional with Ann Hansen

Ann Hansen from Centerpoint Church leads a morning devotional on wholeness, sharing her journey and reflections on finding joy in trials. She emphasizes embracing God’s Spirit for transformation and encourages hope and trust in God’s relentless pursuit of our growth and healing.

About Annual Conference 2024
Annual Conference is a collaborative one-day gathering for Free Methodist leaders from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) and the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC). This year, we will focus on the theme of “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement” as we nurture a thriving ecosystem for growth, shared leadership, and creative collaboration between our conferences and churches.

To find out more, visit us at:
https://ac24.pacificcoastnetwork.org

Hashtags
#FMCSC #AnnualConference2024 #Wholeness #MorningDevotional #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #FreeMethodist #PCJC #CommunityEngagement #HopeInChrist

Annual Conference 2024 – Business Session Highlights
Annual Conference 2024 – Business Session Highlights

The Business Session highlights key moments from the 2024 Annual Conference, including reports, recommendations, and ordinations. Personal testimonies emphasize the importance of faith, social justice, and community service. The session concludes with the ordination of new elders, each expressing their commitment to serve within the Free Methodist Church.

About Annual Conference 2024
Annual Conference is a collaborative one-day gathering for Free Methodist leaders from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) and the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC). This year, we will focus on the theme of “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement” as we nurture a thriving ecosystem for growth, shared leadership, and creative collaboration between our conferences and churches.

To find out more, visit us at:
https://ac24.pacificcoastnetwork.org

Hashtags
#FMCSC #AnnualConference2024 #Wholeness #CommunityEngagement #CreativeCollaboration #ChurchLeadership #FreeMethodist #PCJC #FaithInAction