[vqIo7X2U]

There are a few branches of Catholicism (other branches don't see the Pope as their leader), though Roman Catholicism is the largest, by far. Roman Catholicism is the largest single religious body in the world.

Hmm, I've never heard of that. I'd hope it's true though.

I would love for the American Catholic Church to break off. The Vatican is absolutely ridiculous.

[Mifsnavassy]

Hmm, I've never heard of that. I'd hope it's true though.

It's true, but in the sense that there are other "Catholic" churches of roughly the same age as the Roman Catholic church (i.e., Eastern Rite Catholics = Eastern Orthodoxy); in some senses the Anglican/Episcopalian church is considered Catholic.

But I don't think the odds of the American Catholic church splitting off are very good.

[luspikals]

Hmm, I've never heard of that. I'd hope it's true though.

I would love for the American Catholic Church to break off. The Vatican is absolutely ridiculous.

Isn't Vatican the most fun part of Catholicism?

[GetsTan]

I would love for the American Catholic Church to break off. The Vatican is absolutely ridiculous.

But I don't think the odds of the American Catholic church splitting off are very good.

Pamchenko's right. It won't happen. The hierarchy of the American church is too deeply invested (both spiritually and financially) with the Vatican.

[Gastonleruanich]

You can wear cross and kiss them incessantly. But no one will ever beat when Marion Bartoli included the crucifix in her service motion.

Incidentally, has Sarah Palin been to Scottsdale recently? If so, then Maria needs to be careful because that woman's hyperactive ovaries are clearly contagious.

[VQdeochratis]

I would love for the American Catholic Church to break off. The Vatican is absolutely ridiculous.

One could level the same criticism against any religious doctrine, no? Some may find Islamic or Jewish or Buddhist (etc., etc.) teachings equally ridiculous.

And the American Catholic Church is not under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. Unless you were referring to another denomination?

http://www.accus.us/

[luspikals]

And the American Catholic Church is not under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. Unless you were referring to another denomination?

http://www.accus.us/

I don't know what this is, but the ordinary American Catholic Church most certainly is under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. Several American cardinals are serving in Rome currently...

[VQdeochratis]

I don't know what this is, but ordinary American Catholic Church most certainly is under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. Several American cardinals are serving in Rome currently...

There is an American Catholic Church denomination, and Roman Catholic churches here in the USA - two completely separate things. Certainly the Roman Catholic churches are under the jurisdiction of the Vatican, but they are still Roman Catholic, not American Catholic.

[luspikals]

There is an American Catholic Church denomination, and Roman Catholic churches here in the USA - two completely separate things. Certainly the Roman Catholic churches are under the jurisdiction of the Vatican, but they are still Roman Catholic, not American Catholic.

I looked it up - this American Catholic Church is a tiny unimportant thing (I've never heard about it before). It's the Roman Catholic Church to which 1/4 of all Americans belong...

[vqIo7X2U]

One could level the same criticism against any religious doctrine, no? Some may find Islamic or Jewish or Buddhist (etc., etc.) teachings equally ridiculous.

And the American Catholic Church is not under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. Unless you were referring to another denomination?

http://www.accus.us/

I meant the Roman Catholic Church in the USA. And maybe the one in Canada, too .

I don't find the teachings or stances of the Vatican ridiculous (though I disagree with many), I find the concept of it and all the opulence there ridiculous, and objectionable. The whole thing just strikes me as a big power trip on the Holy See's part. I think dioceses around the world would be able to survive without the Vatican's help.