Short thread:

As a general principle, I think we should not be quick to question the motives, ideology or character of a new convert, no matter how repugnant they may be to our own ideas or prejudices. /1

There are already several barriers - cultural, logistic, psychological - to anyone seeking to enter the Church without us forming another one! /2

Nor should we expect that a new convert is in complete comformity with our mental template of what a "good Catholic" should look or behave like. The Church is a fairly big tent in many ways. /3

Also, due to inconsistent catechesis and our current (mis)information age, it is unrealistic to expect that they are doctrinally perfect, like some sort of dogmatic Venus emerging fully-grown. /4

Even if we take it upon ourselves to offer fraternal correction - not something to be undertaken lightly! - this should be done as charitably and encouragingly as possible, using facts and sources, not opinions and feelings. /5

However, it is always best to ask them to obtain advice from a good priest, not random guy or gal X, Y or Q on Twitter or Facebook. /6

A special problem is posed by "high profile converts" - prominent celebrities, political figures or noted Protestants embracing the Catholic faith. /7

In these cases, where the individual in question already has (or is prematurely given) a public platform, the scope for error and conflict increases. /8

However, even in those cases, it does not behoove us to issue heavy-handed advice or condemnation; "the Church is a field hospital for sinners", as the current Pope is fond of pointing out. /9

In many such cases, the fault lies with media or apologetics platforms, or even priests, who have failed to advise the convert with due prudence or diligence before "tossing him into the pool." /10

In any case, our primary duty is still to show charity to them - even when political or tribal considerations muddy the issue; we must be zealous for souls, not for "scoring points." /11

We should also not set an impossibly high bar: many "cradle Catholics" are hardly shining role models (mea culpa) and not every convert will be an Augustine, Newman or Edith Stein. /12

Three Scriptural passages, all from that great convert St Paul the Apostle, sum it up: /13

"For the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats."(Rom 14:1) /14

"Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will...What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in that I rejoice." (Phil. 1: 15-18) /15

"(The bishop) must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil." (1 Tim. 3: 6) - applicable most specifically to the clergy. /16

Finally, these brief reflections must not be taken as a "sub-tweet" orcan endorsement of anyone in particular; they are simply general principles that might facilitate fraternal charity. /17

To all new / potential converts: you are welcome, and you are works in progress like us all, regardless of your identity or past history. Welcome aboard the Ark of Salvation, even if the ride seems bumpy and the flood unending - for the promise of God cannot be revoked. /FIN