September 15, 1998 (Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - The following is from the Australian Beacon, August 1998 (P.O. Box 88, Para Hills, 5096, South Australia) --

Cardinal Basil Hume made the first ever visit by a Roman Catholic archbishop to the Baptist Assembly in May. The archbishop led the Baptists in their spiritual reflections and was present when newly-accredited ministers met the Baptist Union president.

Rev. David Coffey, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, spoke glowingly of the archbishop’s visit. He said, "Baptists support the courageous moral stance that Cardinal Hume has taken on such issues as abortion, euthanasia and the protection of the family, and they recognize the deep spirituality which undergirds his ministry. The Assembly (was) delighted that the Cardinal was able to share with us on this occasion."

Sadly Mr. Coffey and the Union President Rev. Douglas McBain, whose friendship with Cardinal Hume instigated the invitation, fail to understand the serious issues at the heart of this matter. It is sheer whitewash to recommend the archbishop on the basis of his moral stand. We also applaud that stand, but it does not make Roman Catholicism any more acceptable as an interpretation of the Christian faith. By allowing the archbishop to lead "spiritual reflections" the Baptist Union and Assembly have acknowledged that Cardinal Hume was present amongst them, not for his views on abortion, but in a spiritual and theological capacity. The Catholic Church is not a true church, nor does it preach a biblical gospel. The works-based salvation it proclaims is foreign to biblical Christianity and contrary to the primary truth of salvation by grace. This issue of how people can be reconciled to God was the very essence of the Reformation, when faithful men and women protested against Romish error and recovered the true gospel.

Every week Cardinal Hume presents to his followers such teachings as the mass, Mariolatry, the intercession of saints, papal infallibility and purgatory. These are blasphemies against God and contrary to his revealed word. They make Christ’s sacrifice continuous, and challenge the uniqueness of his intercession. Such doctrines are the very opposite of those held by Bible-believing Baptists.

If men like Mr. Coffey and Mr. McBain discern no contradiction in the teachings of Rome to those of Baptists, then they ought to be true to their ecumenical convictions and lead the Baptist Union straight back to Rome. If they do see a contradiction, they ought not to pretend none exists.