Hoax Feared
Hoax Feared
“Many Protestants in the charismatic (Pentecostal) movement are fearful of a gigantic hoax to lead us back to Rome.”
These fears are very real, according to the Rev. John M. Poole, senior pastor of Gospel Temple in Philadelphia, Pa. They arise in ecumenical charismatic groups, he said.
The Rev. Mr. Poole was the only non Catholic to speak at a general session of last weekend's Midwest Regional General Conference on the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church.
The Rev. Mr. Poole is a classical Pentecostal. Classical Pentecostalism frequently has been a source of criticism of the Catholic Church. However, the minister said his church has become more inter-denominational over the years.
“Protestants are recognizing that the Catholic Church of the 20th century is different than the image that we have had ... We have much to learn from Catholics,” said the Rev. Mr. Poole, as he responded during a press conference to a question on whether Protestants in the charismatic movement might reassert their historic views on the Catholic.