The Search for Catholicity

You keep using that word.  I do not think it means what you think it means.

Inigo was, of course, referring to Vizzini's obsessive use of the word inconceivable, but we could just as accurately apply his famous quip to modern usage of the word catholic.  

The 21st Century has found many Protestants, including myself, yearning for a sense of catholicity, and rightfully so.  Some Protestant bodies are actively trying to pursue this, whether institutionally, by creating formal bonds with other bodies, or informally, by fostering organic relationships with other Christians in their communities.  Some Reformed groups are using the term Reformed Catholic, while others, such as Evangelicals and Liberals, tend to use the word ecumenical, but the idea or goal is the same--to realize the connection to the universal Church described in the New Testament and the Creeds. 

An increasingly large number, however, feel that the only way to achieve true catholicity is to become Catholic, that is, to join the tradition known as the Roman Catholic Church (or perhaps the Eastern Orthodox Church).  Having been raised or converted amongst the splintered churches of the West, and especially the U.S., they are drawn to the idea (we might say mirage) of unity.  While I respect the desire that motivates such a drastic transition, I would like to offer a word of encouragement to my searching brethren:

You don't have to become Catholic to be catholic.

Protestants have misused the word catholic nearly as much as Roman Catholics have, so allow me to clarify what I mean.  I am not referring to possessing an ecumenical spirit or having some general sense of connectedness to other denominations.  I am not referring to congregations from different traditions uniting over charity work or cohosting community events.  These things are good and do express a sense of catholicity, but the Nicene Creed uses the term in a more forceful and literal manner.  There is one Church, spiritually, yes, but that oneness should also be reflected in some sort of concrete, organizational way.

Still, I contend, you do not have to become Roman Catholic to be catholic.

One of my favorite lines from the Anglican 39 Articles is found in Article XXXVII.  It asserts, "The Bishop of Rome hath no jurisdiction in this Realm of England."  This declaration explicitly denied the concept of Petrine Supremacy and served as a reminder, both to members of the English Church and to the Pope, that the Church of England was even then an ancient member of the universal body of Christ.  

The Pentarchy developed relatively early, and the ancient Church did not need a single figurehead, whether the Pope or the patriarchate of Rome, to define or unite herself.  When the time came for issues to be settled, the bishops from the churches came together, just as we see in Acts 15.  From a very early time these churches had significant differences in worship, polity, etc., but they still viewed themselves, and could operate as, parts of a united whole.  Given that Christianity became first legal and then the official religion of the Empire, it is not difficult to imagine why the Church of Rome would gradually develop (read: impose) a feeling of priority over her fellow patriarchates and eventually represent herself as that which defined the unity of the Catholic Church, but, when the Biblical and historical data is examined, I believe their claim is found wanting.  Frankly, the idea that being catholic requires one to join a tradition centered in a specific geographical location is patently absurd.  In fact, such an idea would seem to be the opposite of catholicity.  The idea of catholicity inherently transcends any given geographical tradition.  Catholicity is the unity of the traditions.

The Anglican Church of the Reformation rejected the authority of Rome, but in no way sought to excise herself from the Catholic Church.  Like some of the other Reformed Churches, she criticized Rome for her corruption (theological and moral) and for asserting herself beyond her jurisdiction.  This concept is foreign to American Protestants, but simple nonetheless.  The Bishop of Rome has jurisdiction over the churches of Rome.  The Bishop of England has jurisdiction over the churches of England.  So on and so forth.  No single person or institution serves as the head of the Church of Jesus Christ.  Instead, the Catholic Church is comprised of the Churches throughout the world, represented by their bishops, presbyters, etc.

Catholic, but independent.  Many Protestants simply don't have that category.  Independent-minded American Evangelicals especially tend to have issues with hierarchies and institutions, and so have difficulty conceiving of true institutional connectedness besides that represented by Rome.  The irony, of course, is that many independent churches end up with pastors that act as mini-popes.

So, while we wait and pray for the churches of Jesus Christ to become the Church once again, how can you become catholic without becoming Catholic?  Well, firstly, you could join a tradition or church that actively pursues catholicity, especially one with some sense of or claim to apostolic succession.  The Anglican Communion is a good option, but it isn't the only one.  There are several Protestant traditions, such as Lutherans and Presbyterians/Reformed, where this spirit can be found.  This pursuit of catholicity will be expressed in concrete ways like adherence to/teaching of the Ecumenical Creeds, studying/practicing the historical liturgies of the Church, and generally cooperating with/respecting brethren from other Christian traditions.  

Regardless of what tradition you follow, find a congregation that views itself as and seeks to function within the Catholic Church of Jesus Christ.  Avoid any church that views its individual mission above that of its sister churches.  Avoid churches (and traditions) that view their way of doing things as the only valid way or act as if they are the lone bastions of truth. 

Secondly, you can pursue catholicity in your own devotional life.  Read old books.  Read new books.  Read books by authors from traditions not your own.  Be faithful to your local congregation, but visit and commune with other orthodox churches when opportunities arise (special events like baptisms or ordinations, when traveling, etc.).  Attend conferences, listen to sermons, and sing hymns that expand your theological horizons beyond those offered by your narrowly defined historical tradition.  Find ways to express and embrace catholicity in the devotional life of your family.

I long for the day when the Church of Jesus Christ once again recaptures some sense of institutional catholicity.  I am certainly not the person to define what that will look like, but, when faced with controversies like gender/sexuality issues, race relations, etc., the churches throughout the world should be able to convene and hash out an orthodox position.  Rome beckons us to come back home, but, simple as that might be, everybody joining the Roman Catholic Church is not the way to achieve our goal.  Having a central figurehead is the easy way out.  True catholicity is far more complex, but it is also more authentic and beautiful.