Tolerance and Acceptance | Catholic Central

Does everyone belong in the Catholic Church? What do tolerance and acceptance really mean for Catholics? In this episode of Catholic Central, we explore how Catholics are called to welcome people with compassion, dignity, mercy, and love- especially those who may be afraid they will be judged or rejected by the Church.

For someone who is divorced, a single parent, has had an abortion, has been incarcerated, is an immigrant, has been away from the Catholic Church, or simply feels that they are not “good enough” to walk through the doors of a church, taking that first step can be difficult.

But the Catholic Church is not a community of perfect people.

Catholics believe that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses inherent dignity. We are all sinners. We all need grace and mercy of God. And no one should be made to feel that they are less worthy than someone else of entering a Catholic church and seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ.

So, what do tolerance and acceptance mean from a Catholic perspective?

Does accepting someone mean agreeing with everything they believe or every choice they make? Can the Catholic Church remain faithful to its teachings while welcoming people from every background and circumstance? And how are Catholics called to respond to people who feel judged, rejected, or excluded?

Catholic Central looks at the difference between acceptance, tolerance, judgment, compassion, mercy, and Christian love- and why the Catholic Church should always be a place where people can encounter Christ.

If you have ever wondered, “Would I be welcome in a Catholic church?” or “Does the Catholic Church accept me?”, this episode is for you.

You belong. Come as you are, and encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.