Denomination Relations: Pentecostals

In our ongoing series, “Denomination Relations”, Jason Scott explores the history, shared beliefs, and differences between Catholics and other Christian denominations. This week, he turns his attention to the Pentecostals.

Where Do Pentecostals Come From?

Pentecostalism emerged in the early 20th century, with the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, California, in 1906. Led by African-American preacher William J Seymour, this revival was marked by a spiritual fervour, speaking in tongues, and claims of miraculous healings.

From these humble beginnings, Pentecostalism spread rapidly, particularly among the disenfranchised and those seeking a more visceral religious experience, but also gaining significant footholds in Africa, Asia and traditionally Catholic Latin America.

Pentecostals place a significant emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, often evidenced by speaking in tongues. Their services are characterised by lively music, emotional expression, and a sense of community that seeks to foster a personal encounter with God.

What We Agree On

As Catholics, we share fundamental beliefs with Pentecostals: the Trinity, Christ’s divinity and humanity, and the resurrection. We both affirm the importance of the Bible as the word of God, though our interpretations and applications differ. Both traditions emphasise the importance of living a life of faith and obedience to God’s commandments.

Where We Disagree

From a Catholic perspective, the key disagreements with Pentecostals are clear and rooted in our commitment to the apostolic tradition. Pentecostals often reject the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church, favouring a more congregational form of governance that lacks the authority and continuity of the Catholic magisterium. They also do not recognise the authority of the pope, viewing the Church as a community of believers led by the Holy Spirit, which differs from the divinely instituted leadership of the Church.

Pentecostals do not uphold the Catholic sacraments in the same way, particularly the Eucharist, and do not believe in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament. Their practice of baptism by immersion for those who have reached an age of accountability differs significantly from the Catholic tradition of infant baptism, which recognises the grace of God even in the youngest members of the Church.

Furthermore, Pentecostals emphasise the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and healing, in a way that differs significantly from the Catholic understanding of these gifts. While Catholics believe in the charisms of the Holy Spirit, their expression and role within the Church are understood differently.

Recent Steps Towards Unity

Despite these differences, progress has been made. The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio, opened doors for dialogue with other denominations, including Pentecostals. More recently, joint statements and collaborative projects have highlighted areas of agreement and mutual respect. For instance, both groups have worked together on humanitarian efforts, such as disaster relief and health initiatives, reflecting a shared commitment to serving others.

However, while formal theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and Pentecostal denominations has been limited, there have been informal discussions and cooperative efforts in areas of common concern, such as religious freedom and social justice.

Join us next week as we delve into our relationship with the Eastern Orthodox Church. And as always, trust the plan.