Dear Catholic Exchange:
What is the origin of the Catholic Church? Why do I constantly hear that the Catholic Church is above all other Christian denominations?
Ms. Coutinho
Dear Ms. Coutinho:
Peace in Christ!
If I understand your question correctly, the Catholic Church alone can trace its history back to the Apostles of Jesus Christ. John Paul II can trace the succession of his office all the way back to St. Peter. Catholic bishops can trace the history of their respective offices all the way back to individual Apostles.
Other denomination sometimes claim to be founded by Christ, but they all inevitably trace their histories back to other human founders — Lutherans to Martin Luther, the Presbyterians to John Knox, the Methodists to John Wesley etc. No other denomination even makes the claim to apostolic authority that the Catholic Church does. I have included a hyperlink to a more detailed FAITH FACT, That They May All Be One: The Difference The Church Makes, which treats the biblical and historical evidence for the claims of the Catholic Church. If this does not answer your question adequately please do not hesitate to write back.
United in the Faith,
Pete Brown
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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