Dear Editor, I recently attended a church conference as an observer and, was deeply saddened to hear the platform used to publicly criticise and humiliate my Catholic faith.
One would think that during such gatherings, denominations would focus on uplifting their own congregations and sharing their own spiritual message rather than tearing down another community’s traditions.
While theological differences naturally exist between Pentecostal and Catholic traditions, public sermons should be spaces for grace, not division. Attacking the practices of neighboring churches only fractures the broader Christian community and diminishes the message of love and harmony we are all called to share.
As a Catholic, experiencing this public criticism was deeply hurtful. However, rather than reacting with anger or engaging in public friction, I chose to stay away, remain humbled, and protect my peace. True faith is proven by how we love and respect one another, not by how effectively we diminish the beliefs of our neighbours.
I hope that in the future, faith leaders will choose to build up their own communities through love rather than seeking to diminish the faith of others.
E Pure!
(Name and address supplied)