John Hagee Issues Apology to Catholics

Rev. John C. Hagee, the evangelist whose anti-Catholic remarks became a scandal when the Republican presidential candidate, Senator John McCain, received his endorsement with great fanfare, has issued a letter expressing regret for “any comments that Catholics have found hurtful.”

He wrote: “In my zeal to oppose anti-Semitism and bigotry in all its ugly forms, I have often emphasized the darkest chapters in the history of Catholic and Protestant relations with the Jews. In the process, I may have contributed to the mistaken impression that the anti-Jewish violence of the Crusades and the Inquisition defines the Catholic Church. It does not.”

‘‘Out of a desire to advance a greater unity among Catholics and Evangelicals in promoting the common good, I want to express my deep regret for any comments that Catholics have found hurtful.’’

This comes amid an outbreak of respect for the Catholic church. Billy Graham started the trend sharing with CNN host Larry King the revelation that he is "at home in the Catholic Church." Graham, also praised the Pope as, "The moral voice of the 20th Century."

Televangelist Jack Van Impe says he's discovered the "spiritual riches" that are found only in Roman Catholicism and in the Papacy. Van Impe told his TBN TV audience, holding high the New Catholic Catechism. "The Catholic doctrines are right on".

The recent visit of Pope Benedict to America drew praise from several Christian leaders.

While this is all great news, it been a long time coming. In 1976 a group of Evangelical leaders began meeting to discuss historic Christianity and ways in which the Evangelical tradition could more fully embrace the ancient faith. From those meetings, led by Dr. Robert Webber, the group which included Dr. Thomas Howard, Peter Gillquist and others, issued a document called The Chicago Call. The Chicago Call was a formal appeal to Evangelicals for the recovery of theology and practices of historic Christianity, calling them to a faith that was truly Catholic as well as Evangelical.

“We believe” The Chicago Call states, “that today Evangelicals are hindered from achieving full maturity by a reduction of the historic faith. There is, therefore, a pressing need to reflect upon the substance of the biblical and historic faith and to recover the fullness of this heritage.”

Some of the most influential figures in Catholic apologetics aimed at the protestant mindset come from the Evangelical world. Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins, Mark Shea, Tim Curry, and many others were evangelical pastors and leaders whose hearts were captured by historic Faith.

As denominations continue to stray from the traditional teachings of the church, as mutli-media presentations replace the gospel and as self proclaimed pastors fight to have the largest church, the historic faith will remain a beacon to those who truly seek.