Expert: Fr. Michael - 9/3/2010

Question
I've a Moslem friend who wants me to attend and experience his worship in a Moslem historical Temple. When are Catholics permitted to attend and what are the consequence of joining in their prayers, or praying privately there.

Answer
As a Catholic, you cannot engage in false worship.  That is a grave sin against the First Commandment and smacks of heresy.

You should tell you friend:  That you for the invitation, but I am a Catholic.  We believe, as you do, that there is only one true religion established by God, but that is the Catholic religion.  I cannot worship a false god any more than you can, so I will have to decline your invitation.

You should be aware that to your friend, you are an infidel and in a false religion, into which he is bound by Mohammed and the Koran to draw you.  Why should you be capitulating to that?  The worship of God is not a social convention.  Is is a serioius matter of right and wrong.  Stand up for your true Faith.