Does the Catholic Church think Protestants are Christians?
Answered on video by Catholic Answers
Video: What Does the Church Teach about Salvation for Protestants?, Catholic Answers Live, published Jun 30, 2017. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube
In short: Yes. If you’ve been justified by faith in Baptism, you’re in Christ, and you have every right to be called a Christian. CCC 818
The answer, in writing
The Church says those born into communities separated from her can’t be blamed for the separation, and she accepts them “with respect and affection as brothers.” CCC 818
All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ, so they have a right to be called Christians. CCC 818
Many elements of holiness and truth are found outside the Catholic Church: the written Word of God, the life of grace, faith, hope and charity. CCC 819
Yes. If you’re baptized and you love Jesus, you’re family. The disagreements are real, but they’re family arguments.
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Stone & Incense restates Church teaching in plain words and cites every teaching claim. Our own wording is not an official Church text. Found a mistake? Report an errorCorrections.