Salus Maior wrote:United Muscovite Nations wrote:Due to recent disagreements I've had with a bunch of Orthodox positions on things like whether other churches have sacraments, I'm seriously considering talking to my local Catholic priest about RCIA. I'm kind of fed up with the triumphalism in the Orthodox Church, how we tend to disrespect other churches, and lastly that some of our positions appear obstinate. I still harbor serious doubts about Papal infallibility, but I'm semi-convinced that the Pope of Rome does have a unique position in the early Church, as attested by many fathers even in the East. I'm also disappointed by the lack of engagement with the world I've encountered in Orthodoxy regarding relatively little charitable activity from parishes and dioceses, up to and including that some dioceses actually refuse to do interfaith charity. I still think the Orthodox Church is venerable and has valid sacraments, but I have serious doubts about its claim to be the "one" true Church now. This could be a passing feeling, but I felt I should give a heads up about it.
Hm, that's a bit out of left field.
While I don't mean to discourage you, there's a lot of issues on our side as well. Honestly, a little obstinance would be welcome in some positions, given the alternatives.
I'm mostly just saying this because, as I'm sure you're aware, joining a church is a profound commitment, and when you're a part of a church you're going to encounter a lot of frustrations. I have a lot of frustrations when it comes to the Catholic Church and how it's conducted itself on various levels for...Well, a good long while. I remain committed regardless though because I have faith in the sacraments, and find a lot of inspiration from a wide number of Catholic Saints and their personal walks with Christ.
If you do decide to convert, I'll of course welcome you. But don't do so just because you're frustrated with something your church is doing (or not doing), because that's not going to change by becoming Catholic, believe me.
That's the thing though, I'm coming more and more to the position that the Catholic Church is also valid, which removes a barrier to conversion.