The word Catholic is derived from the Greek adjective καθολικός (katholikos), meaning "universal". In the context of Christian ecclesiology, it has a rich history and several usages. For some, the term "Catholic Church" refers to the church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, made up of the Latin Rite and the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches; this is the common usage in most countries. Protestants sometimes use the term "Catholic Church" to re...
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The word Catholic is derived from the Greek adjective καθολικός (katholikos), meaning "universal". In the context of Christian ecclesiology, it has a rich history and several usages. For some, the term "Catholic Church" refers to the church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, made up of the Latin Rite and the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches; this is the common usage in most countries. Protestants sometimes use the term "Catholic Church" to refer to all believers in Jesus Christ across the world and the ages, regardless of "denominational" affiliation. The Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans and some Methodists believe that their churches are catholic in the sense that they are in continuity with the original universal church founded by the Apostles. Roman Catholics believe their church to be the only original and universal church. In "Catholic Christendom" (including the Anglican Communion), bishops are considered the highest order of ministers within the Christian religion, as...
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