Understanding the Pope from a Global Methodist Church Perspective
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), considered by Catholics to be the successor to the Apostle Peter. According to Roman Catholic belief, Jesus gave Peter a unique role of leadership (Matthew 16:18-19), and this role continues through the papacy. The Pope leads the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, defines doctrine, and serves as a symbol of unity for over a billion Catholics.
When a pope dies or resigns as Pope Frances did on April 21,
the Roman Catholic Church begins a process called a conclave. All
eligible cardinals gather in the Vatican, pray for the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, and vote in secret until a new pope is chosen. This process emphasizes
spiritual discernment and the unity of the Church under apostolic leadership.
What Do Global Methodists
Believe About the Pope?
The GMC respects Roman Catholics as fellow Christians and
acknowledges the historic and global role of the papacy. However, we do not
believe that any one person—pope or otherwise—holds divine authority over the
universal Church. We affirm that Jesus Christ alone is the head of the Church
(Colossians 1:18), and our authority for doctrine and practice comes from
Scripture, not from a human office.
Unlike Roman Catholics, we do not view the Pope as
infallible. We also believe in the priesthood of all believers and connectional
leadership, not a hierarchical structure centered in a single figure.
How Can Global Methodists Pray
for the Roman Catholic Church?
As a people committed to Christian
unity and the global mission of Jesus, we encourage all GMC members to pray
that the Holy Spirit would guide the Roman Catholic Church in its selection of
a new pope. We can pray for:
- God’s wisdom and peace to fill the hearts of the
cardinals.
- The new pope to be a faithful follower of Jesus and a
bridge-builder among all Christians.
- Continued cooperation and dialogue between Catholic
and Protestant churches.
Why Does This Matter to Us?
The pope is a prominent global Christian leader whose voice
influences moral, social, and theological conversations worldwide. While we
have differences, we share with Catholics many foundational beliefs: the
Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, the resurrection, and the call to love God and
neighbor. Praying for their discernment honors Christ’s prayer in John 17 “that
they may all be one.”
Chart Comparing Global Methodist and
Roman Catholic Beliefs
|
Belief/Practice |
Global Methodist Church (GMC) |
Roman Catholic Church (RCC) |
|
Authority |
Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura);
interpreted through the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason,
Experience) |
Scripture, Tradition, and the
Magisterium (teaching authority of the Pope and bishops) |
|
Church Leadership |
Connectional model; bishops and
clergy under mutual accountability |
Hierarchical model; Pope is the
supreme head of the global Church |
|
The Pope |
Respected as a global Christian
leader, but not authoritative or infallible |
Believed to be the successor of
Peter, with infallibility in official doctrinal teachings |
|
Sacraments |
Two: Baptism and Holy Communion (as
means of grace) |
Seven: Baptism, Eucharist,
Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony |
|
Salvation |
By grace through faith, leading to sanctification
and holiness |
By grace through faith, expressed
through sacraments and good works |
|
Baptism |
Infant and believer’s baptism both
practiced; sign of covenant grace |
Usually infant baptism; seen as
necessary for salvation |
|
Holy Communion |
Open to all who believe in Christ |
Typically closed; reserved for
practicing Catholics in a state of grace |
|
What Happens in Communion |
Jesus is spiritually present;
Communion is a means of grace, not a re-sacrifice |
Believed to be the literal Body and
Blood of Christ (transubstantiation); a re-presentation of Christ’s one
sacrifice |
|
View of Mary and Saints |
Honored as faithful examples; not
prayed to |
Venerated; intercessory prayers to
Mary and the saints are common |
|
Goal of Christian Life |
Holiness of heart and life; entire
sanctification |
Communion with God through
sanctifying grace and participation in Church sacraments |
|
Role of Laity |
Vital to ministry; encouraged in
leadership and mission |
Important, but more hierarchical
roles defined by ordination |
|
Role of Women in Ministry |
Women can serve at all levels,
including as ordained clergy |
Women may serve in many ministries,
but not as priests or bishops |
|
Scripture and Interpretation |
Bible is supreme authority;
interpreted with tradition, reason, and experience |
Bible plus sacred tradition
interpreted by Magisterium |
|
Confession and Forgiveness |
Confession often public or personal;
assurance given by Scripture and community |
Sacrament of Reconciliation with a
priest; priest grants absolution |
