What are the major differences between Catholics & Presbyterians?

Question

I am Caholic. I come from a strong Catholic background. My boyfriend is Presbyterian. What are the major differences between the two demonations? Can a Catholic and Presbyterian get married? Can we get married in a Presbyterian Church or will the Catholic church not recognize our marriage?

My boyfriend doesn't want to get married in a Catholic Church, he doesn't like all the statues around. He thinks it's kind of creepy, whereas I would love to get married to him in a Catholic Church, but since he won't budge I will get married to him in a Presbyterian church.

Answer 1

While there are several differences between Catholics and Presbyterians, the most important of these is that Presbyterians do not share in Catholics belief in Christ's True Presence in the Eucharist. This doctrine, that the host becomes Christ's Body and Blood, is the source and summit of Catholic faith and absolutely essential. Because of this, your boyfriend is respectfully asked by the Church not to receive Holy Communion, just as you, out of respect for the beliefs of your boyfriend's church, should not receive communion there.
Though some would say that it is not recommended for a Catholic and a Presbyterian to marry because of this disagreement in doctrine, they are permitted. If you wish to be married in his church instead of in a Catholic church, for the Church to recognize your marriage as valid, it must be witnessed by a representative of the Catholic Church, usaully a deacon.
I would recommend that you talk to your pastor about your situation. Most likely, there will be no problem, as the Church is usaully understanding on issues such as this. You will probably still have to go through the marriage program at your church even though the ceremony will take place elsewhere. This is only reasonable. Your pastor may recommend that you take a Pre-Cana class or a Natural Family Planning class. I myself recommend Natural Family Planning for any couple (it's not what your high school health teacher told you).
If you would like more information on the specific doctrinal differences, you may want to look at the blog of a Catholic write. This is the link...

http://veniaminov.blogspot.com/2005/09/differences-between-catholicism-and.html

Answer 2

I will answer your second question. I have been to many Catholic/Protestant weddings. You can work something out if you want to. My sister married a Protestant husband in a Catholic church with a Mass and all. The only difference is that my brother in law did not receive communion. If you did not pay close attention you would not notice a thing.

If you and your boyfriend are considering marriage I recommend you talk to both of your clergymen regarding specifics.

Answer 3

"What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII)

Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians.

Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006):

By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works.

There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much.

A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor.

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

Presbyterians are against symbolism and favour a very simple liturgy in comparison to Catholicism.

Answer 5

Pedestrians like to walk a lot n catholics don

Answer 6

Christian Protestant and Catholicism Theologies:
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/charts/catholic_protestant.htm

See the table of Christian denominational beliefs here:
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/charts/denominations_beliefs.htm