Here is an article about how the next Pope will be chosen.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/standingonmyhead/2013/02/the-new-pope-should-we-speculate.html
Compare this process to the quota system of the ELCA. Because Protestantism has rejected the Pope and the Magisterium, Protestant churches continue to split and divide into more and more denominations. At present, there are 36 Lutheran denominations in the U.S. Eventually Christ’s words about “where two or three are gathered in my name” will come true as Protestant churches are reduced to a few people meeting in a living room.
Let me ask you — can two or three people always agree on everything? If the answer is no, then how is a church to be run? What keeps the visible church on earth unified?
Rev. Clint Schnekloth, ELCA, recently posted the Liturgy of his Ordination:
P1: According to apostolic usage you are now to be set apart to the office of Word and Sacrament in one holy catholic Church by the laying on of hands and by prayer.
http://lutheranconfessions.blogspot.com/2013/02/in-memory-of-10th-anniversary-of-my.html
What does “one holy catholic Church” mean in this context — or any context? Is there a visible church? An invisible church — the mystical Body of Christ? I think it’s time to look at these questions.
I thought I did leave a comment here…..
Maybe you left it with our friend, Catherine.