Introduction

The Roman Catholic Church in the West traces its origins back to the Western Church of the Middle Ages. Theologically it sees itself within the context of the Apostolic Succession: an unbroken tradition of authority that stretches back as far as St Peter, who was given the office of Church leader by Jesus Christ himself. (Matthew 16:18). The Church has a supreme pontiff in Rome (the Bishop of Rome) who acts as Christ's earthly representative, and who can teach with authority on faith and morals; the Church teaches that these rulings should be seen as infallible and binding on all Roman Catholics. It is extremely rare for the Pope to teach in this way, and his role as spiritual leader and shepherd to the largest single religious community in the world is the one most familiar to Roman Catholics today.

In the Roman Catholic Church the role of a Bishop is very influential. Bishops act as an episcopal college and are hugely influential in the various dioceses around the world. In England authority is centred in Westminster, where Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor has been Archbishop since 2000. Like many other Archbishops and Bishops his role as Cardinal allows him to take part directly in the election of the next leader, and also gives him access to the College of Cardinals who act alongside the Bishops.

Belief

The main beliefs of Roman Catholics have traditionally been expressed through the creeds. The two creeds that are most commonly expressed by the community of worshippers are the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed. Both these creeds acknowledge the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Birth, Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, and the importance of the Catholic Church as it is guided by the Holy Spirit. In addition the creeds mention the Communion of Saints and the forgiveness of sins.

Roman Catholics believe that we are all called to a life of holiness and dedication to the Word of God. This life of holiness requires both an act of repentance, an obedience to the authority of conscience and a willingness to take part in the sacramental life of the Church. Although Roman Catholics are not all called to the religious life some will take up holy orders as part of the priesthood, or within a community of monks. In addition Catholics have often set up new religious orders, such as the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Roman Catholics find a focus for their faith and belief in the Mass.

They believe that the sacrifice of Christ's death is repeated in the act of the Priest in offering up the bread and wine of the Eucharist on the altar. The Priest will invoke the Holy Spirit to be present in the community, and to make the gifts of bread and wine holy. Roman Catholics believe that there is a real change to the bread and wine at the moment of consecration. The bread and wine become Jesus' body and blood on the altar; a change that is substantial and not accidental: meaning that although we do not see a change Jesus is ontologically present in the elements. Through faith and with prayer Roman Catholics are able to receive the grace poured out for humans by Jesus' death on the cross at Calvary. This sacrament is vital for Roman Catholics; both the means to a fuller communion with God, but also an outward and visible sign of their unity as a body 'in Christ'.

The Mass also acts as a focus for unity, and has often provided inspiration for Catholics around the world in their political and social lives. In Latin America for instance the Mass has often allowed Christians to understand their suffering in the context of Jesus' life and death (Liberation Theology). It has often inspired people to act together as a community in the struggle against injustice. The Mass takes its name from the words 'Ite missa est' which implies the idea of being sent out to work for good.

Special veneration is paid to the Saints. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is regarded by Roman Catholics as a model of Christian virtue and dedication to the Gospel. As mother of the Lord (Jesus) Catholics are aware that she shared his sufferings, and they will often ask her to intercede for them in times of difficulty.

Belonging

Roman Catholics belong to the ekklesia or community of believers. In the creeds Catholics say that 'I believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic church' and this belief influences their sense of identity. Entry into the Church is accomplished through baptism, the sacrament of initiation.

Other sacraments also allow a change in the life of the individual. When Roman Catholics marry they administer the Sacrament of Marriage themselves and become 'one flesh' with their partner.

This sacrament denotes and celebrates a real ontological change in their being and identity. This unbreakable bond is a sign of Christ's love for the Church and reflects the same unity. Priests also receive God's grace in the Sacrament of Ordination, when they give their life to the service of the community of believers in imitation of Christ. Priests are ordained by a bishop and other priests, who lay their hands on the head of the candidate.

A Catholic priest at a Station of the Cross

Being

The Roman Catholic tradition is deeply influenced by the theology of St Thomas Aquinas and other moral thinkers. Aquinas' natural law approach has been very influential in Roman Catholic practice. Natural law states that human life has a telos (end) which is communion with God and salvation. Many Catholics believe that our natures have been shaped by God's will and that we can discover how to act by reasoned reflection on that nature. This discovered law is complemented by the revealed law in the Bible and the Church.

Roman Catholics believe that life should be treated with respect, and that the ending of human life through human action is a grave sin. As a result Catholics usually oppose abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment. In addition Catholics have traditionally held a conservative attitude towards human sexuality, believing often that chastity is the ideal. Sexual intercourse is ordered for both unity and procreation. Artificial forms of contraception are regarded as contrary to natural law, and promiscuous sexual activity is regarded as damaging both individually and socially. In addition many Roman Catholics oppose homosexual practice on the same grounds.

It is important to note that even the most conservative Roman Catholics believe that conscience should guide human behaviour, and that a person can act against the official teaching of the Church if their conscience so demands. Roman Catholics try to instruct their conscience by attention to the official teaching of the Church. Bishops play an important part in guiding and instructing the faithful. They are seen often as shepherds and teachers.

There is a strong emphasis in Roman Catholicism on the Corporate Works of Mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming strangers, looking after the sick, visiting those in prison, and burying the dead (see Matthew 25). This can be seen in many actions of Roman Catholics today. Many will seek to help the poor or less able members of the community, and many will go on pilgrimage to places such as Lourdes, where healings have been reported. This approach has also spurned new movements in Catholic theology such as liberation theology where priests and people have worked against poverty and injustice, and sought to use new social awareness of poverty to promote solidarity between the rich and poor.

In all things Roman Catholics seek to live in imitation of Christ, and help others to receive and share his love. The Roman Catholic Church seeks to promote family life, individual holiness and love between its members. Roman Catholics look to the Magisterium of the Church for guidance, but also look to the Bible and their conscience to guide their behaviour. If they go astray in their religious practice they believe that repentance can allow absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Through a life of holiness Roman Catholics attempt to prepare for a final judgement and hope for salvation and communion with God to follow at the last.