Hello, my name is Bill Jenkins and I was surfing through stuff on churches and I came across your web page and found it very interesting. I am not catholic, but I do go to a non-denominational church in Vancouver WA.

I have a question. It seems to me that Catholics place a high emphasis on Mary. It seems that you believe her to be sinless. I may be wrong on this. I am obviously not familiar with Catholic doctrine. If this is true it would seem to go against what Rom. 3:23 says. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This would seem to include Mary as well. I believe Jesus was the only human who was sinless. If Mary did have sin it would'nt be a problem because God has worked with sinful humans ever since the fall. Someone had to bring the Messiah into the world.

Thank you for your time.

Yours in Christ,
Bill Jenkins

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Dear Bill,

Thanks for the question. I appreciate the non-judgemental, but also direct manner in which you express it.

Rather than try to re-invent the wheel, I would encourage you to read an excellent article in Catholic Answers Tracts on the Immaculate Conception. It addresses at some length the very issue you raise concerning Rom. 3:23. Let me know what you think.

God Bless,

Fr. Phil Bloom

P.S. Vancouver has some excellent parishes and fine Catholic priests if you ever want to discuss your concerns with someone right in your own area.