Expert: Sal - 2/5/2004

Question
Hi Sal,

I know that some Anglican churches have confession, but since Anglican priests do not have valid ordinations, they cannot forgive sins in the name of God, right?  So, if an Anglican confesses to an Anglican priest, what is the consequence?  Are sins forgiven by God alone?  Is the Anglican priest merely a human witness?  In the Orthodox church, leavened bread is used instead of unleavened.  Does this prevent the real presence from occurring or is it still present?  Has a eucharistic miracle ever occurred in an Orthodox church?  I've read of many eucharistic miracles, yet many people (Catholics included), don't seem to know about them.  Why is that?  Since a Protestant never receives the true body and blood of Christ, do you think it is impossible for him or her to go directly to heaven?  Isn't the Protestant deprived of a great source of grace?  I realize this next question asks for a lot of speculation, but do you think reformers such as Martin Luther, John Calvin and John Knox could be in hell?  I think Martin Luther may have repented of his sins before his death, but how about other reformers?   Finally, do Protestants believe in guardian angels as Catholics do?

Thank you.

Les

Answer
Hello Les:

In the Anglican Church Confession is not required. Anglican orders are invalid. Only a valid priest can hear Confession. Anglicans cannot know if their sins are forgiven. They do not receive the graces God intends to give the one who confesses. Christ forgives the sins through the priest.

Orthodox priests have valid orders. They can consecrate the bread and wine. Eucharistic miracle have been reported by the Orthodox.

Many Catholics do not know about Eucharistic miracles because they do not care to learn about them. I find that many do not believe them.

Protestants will have a more difficult time getting into heaven. This is because they do not receive all the graces that God give to help us.

I will not speculate on the final fate of heretics. I just offer these Scriptures.

"On the other hand, it would better for anyone who leads astray one of these little ones who believes in me, to be drowned by a millstone around his neck, in the depths of the sea. What terrible things will come on the world through scandal! It is inevitable that scandal should occur. Nonetheless, woe to the man through whom scandal comes!" (Matthew 18:6-7).

"Brothers, I beg you to be on watch against these who cause dissension and scandal, contrary to the teaching you have received. Avoid their company. Such men serve, not Christ our Lord, but their own bellies, and they deceive the simpleminded with smooth and flattering speech" (Romans 16:17-18).

Protestants, as usual, are divided over the issue of guardian angels.

God Bless,
Sal