Segregation Between Catholics

[BeenaBobba]

[quote name='qfnol31' date='Jul 7 2004, 05:39 AM'] It seems that the Roman Church is the Church of Rome.  Would all other Churches in the Catholic Church be subject to the Roman Church?

[/quote]
All Catholics, whether they're Melkite Catholic, Ruthenian Catholic, Roman Catholic, etc. are subject to the Patriarch of the West: the Pope of Rome. But that's not to say that the Roman Church is superior to the Melkite Church or whatnot. All the Churches that make up the Catholic Church are equal, but the other patriarchs and bishops are subject to the Pope of Rome, who is the Supreme Pontiff and rules over the entire Catholic Church.

What that quote you posted is saying is that the Latin Church can and is usually called the Roman Church.

I'm glad you liked those links.

God bless,

Jen

[Guest JeffCR07]

[quote]It seems that the Roman Church is the Church of Rome. Would all other Churches in the Catholic Church be subject to the Roman Church?[/quote]

No, it would be incorrect to say this. Melkite and Ruthenien Catholics are in no way "subject" to their Latin counterparts. Rather, we are all Catholics and subject the the Holy Father. Remember, the Pope is not merely the head of the Latin Church, but of the entire Catholic Church.

Imagine 22 kings, each ruling over their own kingdom. The 22 get together and swear fealty and pledge their support to one among their number. This does not put the [i]kingdom[/i] of the one above the [i]kingdoms[/i] of the rest, but rather, the kingdoms are still equal, with everyone deferring to the one king.

I hope that helps.

- Your Brother in Christ, Jeff