Free Church abandoning the Westminster Confession?

As an Arminian Baptist, I do not subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith, which is the subordinate standard of most Presbyterian churches, including the Free Church of Scotland, because of its Calvinist standpoint and emphasis on infant baptism. I do, however, agree with its stance on Christ being the head of the church, not the Pope, and its repudiation of the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. It is therefore worrying to see that some Free Church ministers are now abandoning the Westminster Confession (and, it seems, their ordination vows) in favour of ecumenical relations with the Roman Catholic Church. Rev James Maciver, last year's Free Church moderator, joined in an ecumenical watchnight service with the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church in Stornoway in December and was praised for it by Rev Professor Donald Macleod, recently retired Professor of Systematic Theology at the Free Church College in Edinburgh, in his Footnotes article for the West Highland Free Press of 30-12-11. In addition, Rev David Robertson went on air on Radio Scotland in 2010 and welcomed the Pope to Scotland as a 'fellow-christian' which is definitely not how the Pope is described in Chapter XXV of the Westminster Confession.

It seems to me that the Free Church needs to either discipline these men (who are very influential within the denomination) or else come clean and admit that they no longer regard the Westminster Confession of Faith as their confessional document. Then at least we would all know where we stand. Personally I think it is very sad that these ministers should have been so deceived as to forget what the Reformation was about and accept Roman Catholicism as a christian faith. Without the restraining influence of those who left to form the Free Church (Continuing) in 2000 it seems that the Free Church of Scotland is now beginning to go down the same path as the Church of Scotland, albeit 40 years behind. They'll be appointing women elders next.

Why I don't believe Roman Catholicism is a Christian religion

A friend was shocked when she read my earlier post On the road to Rome?. Coming from a CofS background, she had accepted the ecumenical teaching now prevalent in that denomination. Since there may be many others like her, I feel I ought to give some explanation for why I do not consider Roman Catholicism to be a true Christian faith. For a start, Roman Catholicism is not about faith - it is a religion of works, such as penances, praying the rosary and regular attendance at Mass. This is in direct contradiction to the Bible, which states that 'by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God' (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). The Bible also clearly states that Christ is the head of the church, not the Pope, as it says in Colossians 1:18 'And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church'.

Roman Catholicism places priests between God and man whereas the Bible tells us that 'there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ' (1 Timothy 2:5). Scripture also tells us that 'there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved' (Acts 4:12 NIV) however there are those in the RC church who would elevate Mary to the position of co-redeemer with Christ. Pope Benedict XVI is, at the moment, refusing to agree to this request, although some would say that this might change.

The Council of Trent, which is still in force, anathematised (cursed) any who believed that salvation was through faith alone, in Christ alone. Instead justification was declared to be offered upon the basis of faith and good works. It also upheld the use of icons in worship, which is in direct contradiction to the second commandment, upheld the doctrine of purgatory (which has no scriptural justification whatsoever) and the practice of praying to the saints, which contradicts Jesus' teaching on how to pray, namely to the Father.

If you are still not convinced, have a look at this article from a former Roman Catholic, now Baptist pastor. Many people in these days have forgotten what the reformation was about, however there are some who would still remind us and Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries is one of them. James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries is another. I thank God for them.

PS. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that Roman Catholicism is not, in my opinion, a Christian faith. It is not for me to say whether individual Roman Catholics are Christian or not - only God ultimately knows what is in someone's heart.