Christianity

It is estimated that there are over 20,000 distinct denominations in the modern Christian world.

Roman Catholic Church

All Christians who acknowledge and accept the authority of the Pope. There are Catholic groups which are non- Roman.

The Pope is the head and under are cardinals, archbishops, priests. There are no separate branches but the church does have 'orders' of monks and nuns.

Catholics emphasize the authority of the Pope, to be one true church. Also the seven sacraments of which the Mass is the central point. The Roman Catholic Church believes itself historically and in its teachings, to be in continuity with the first disciples. The church holds that's God's teachings have been safeguarded and made authentic by the authority of the Church. This authority is exercised especially by the bishops of the local churches, who are still in harmony with the Bishop of Rome. Roman Catholics believe that the Pope is the successor of Peter, the disciple. The Pope has special authority and many Roman Catholics believe that he is infallible when he speaks to, and in the name of, the Church, on questions of faith and morals. Catholics believe that they can ask the saints in heaven to pray for them. The saints are thought to be closer to God and therefore their prayers have special prayers. Catholics also believe in purgatory, an intermediate phrase or state, in which people who've not been terribly bad or terribly good have to be prepared for heaven. Roman Catholics honour Mary highly because of her place in God's plans for the world.
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The Orthodox Church

The Orthodox faith is built upon the two foundations of holy scripture and holy tradition. They believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospels and through the witness of the apostles, beginning with the letters of Paul and Peter, which have been transmitted through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Their belief is encapsulated in the Niceno Constantinopolitan creed which we recite at each celebration of the Divine Liturgy and in the decrees of the Holy Ecumenical Councils. They believe in the Holy Trinity- God the Father, the creator of ...

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