Baptism and Presbyterians

The Catholic Church tells us that the sacraments of Christian initiation are the basis of every Christian life. Baptism is the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church. In recent years, the Catholic Church has made a concerted effort to dialogue with other Christian churches, a movement called ecumenism. These efforts have led to a better understanding of what we share in common as well as respect for our differences. To that end, Risen Savior is beginning to engage in dialogue with La Mesa Presbyterian Church.

Roman Catholics and Presbyterians have much in common. We live side-by-side as neighbors and have married into each other’s families. We have a shared history and similar hopes and concerns for the future. Yet we have some different ways of expressing our love and devotion to God, and we have some different perceptions about our shared Christian faith. We often do not understand each other’s ways.

But behind these differences, Presbyterians and Roman Catholics share something very basic: we are all Christians and we share a common baptism in Christ Jesus. Because of this, we possess a unity that may not always be visible but which exists: as Ephesians says, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:5-6). We are joined to each other because we are joined to Christ.

In addition to this baptismal unity, Roman Catholics and Presbyterians also share many understandings and practices about Baptism. We agree that we become members of Christ’s body through our Baptism and in response to God’s call, rather than through a personal decision which depends solely on us. We agree that we are taken into Christ and into the Church through Baptism, and that we receive saving grace. Together with our Presbyterian neighbors, we have an understanding that our personal commitment to Christ is nurtured in and tied to the faith community.

Catholics and Presbyterians have a preference for formal, ordered worship, and a similar structure in much of our worship, which focuses on the majesty and glory of God rather than our feelings and experiences. And we share a common belief that the Christian life, living out our baptism, calls us to serve God by serving others.

Baptism is the sacrament of faith, a faith that needs the community of believers. As we engage in dialogue with our Presbyterian neighbors and others, we will become aware that the community of believers is a lot bigger than we thought!