Internal Divisions and Vatican Relations in Catholic Groups
By Rev. Lord John McIlwraith, and Ainsworth Korg PhD,
Schisms scar the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 1:10-13 KJV). Catholic groups fracture over progressive doctrines, ecumenism, and globalism—tensions peaking under Francis (2013-2025). Amoris Laetitia (2016) sparked divorce/remarriage debates; Fiducia Supplicans (2023) blessings for same-sex unions ignited backlash. Synodality reforms challenge hierarchy; Islamic/UN influences fuel infiltration fears. Ecumenism’s Assisi meetings (1986-) and joint declarations blur lines; Laudato Si’ (2015) ties faith to climate/SDGs, critiqued as worldly.
Key Timelines and Stances
| Group | Major Conflicts (Timeline) | Key Disagreements | Current Stance (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholicism | 2016: Amoris; 2023: Fiducia; 2021-24: Synod | Divorce blessings, synodality, UN migration | Pro-Francis; internal resistance (e.g., Dubia cardinals) |
| Eastern Catholicism | 2018: Ukraine autocephaly; 2023: Fiducia | Patriarchal autonomy, moral reforms | Pro-Vatican but cautious |
| SSPX | 1988: Consecrations; 2015: Partial regularization | Vatican II ecumenism, liturgy | Anti-Francis; irregular |
| Sedevacantists | 1970s onward: Post-VII | All post-VII popes heretical | Anti-Francis; total rejection |
| Old Catholics | 1870: Vatican I; 1994: Women’s ordination | Infallibility, celibacy | Neutral; ecumenical |
| Liberal Catholics | 1916: Theosophy split | Esotericism, inclusivity | Pro-progressive; rejected |
| Independents | Various; e.g., 1897 PNCC | Nationalism, reforms | Neutral/fragmented |
Roman internals rage: African bishops rejected Fiducia; German Synod pushes LGBTQ+ ordination. SSPX critiques Francis’ “globalist leanings” (Laudato Si’ UN ties). Sedevacantists see corruption/infiltration. Evangelicals like Albert Mohler decry ecumenism as “syncretism” (2 Cor. 6:14 KJV). Counter: Vatican claims dialogue heals wounds (Ut Unum Sint). Vatican News; TGC: Evangelical Survey.
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Note on Bible Translation: Rev. John McIlwraith and Ainsworth Korg, PhD, utilize the Authorized King James Version (KJV) as their preferred Bible translation for its historical fidelity and clarity in doctrinal study. However, the First Pentecostal Evangelical Church of Canada (FPECC) does not mandate that members or clergy exclusively use the KJV, encouraging personal discernment in selecting translations that align with our Statement of Faith and the pursuit of scriptural truth.