One Faith, One Church: Why Jesus Intended a Universal Catholic Church

In a world of division and spiritual noise, it's worth asking: Did Jesus intend for His followers to be fragmented into thousands of denominations, each with its own interpretation? The answer, when viewed through Scripture and the witness of the early Church, is a clear no. Jesus called for unity—a unity that is both spiritual and visible, embodied in one, universal Church. This universal Church is what we, today, profess in the Creed as the "holy Catholic Church."

Jesus Prayed for Unity

In His final moments before His Passion, Jesus offered a powerful prayer:

“I pray... that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You... so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” (John 17:20–21)

This is not just a poetic wish—it is a divine plea for unity. Jesus compares the unity He desires among His followers to the perfect unity of the Trinity. That is no small request. Such unity must be more than emotional or symbolic; it must be visible, identifiable, and enduring.

One Church, Not Many

Jesus tells Peter:

“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church.” (Matthew 16:18)

Note: He did not say "churches." He speaks of one Church with divine authority, a Church built on the foundation of Peter and the apostles.

St. Paul reaffirms this when he writes:

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope... one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:4–5)

And again:

“I appeal to you... that there be no divisions among you... Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:10–13)

Clearly, disunity and doctrinal division go against Christ's will for His Church.

What Does "Catholic" Mean?

The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek katholikos, meaning universal. The Church was first called "Catholic" in the early 2nd century by St. Ignatius of Antioch, a disciple of John the Apostle. In his letter to the Smyrnaeans (c. 107 AD), he wrote:

“Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”

This Catholic Church, founded on the apostles and led by their successors, is the one Jesus prayed for and established.

The Apostles' Creed: A Declaration of Unity

The Apostles' Creed is a summary of the core beliefs of the early Church—a faith rooted in Scripture and handed down by the apostles themselves. Though not a direct quote from the Bible, every line of the Creed is biblically grounded:

"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth."

• Genesis 1:1, Matthew 6:9

"And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord"

• John 3:16, Romans 10:9

"Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary"

• Luke 1:26–35

"Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried"

• Luke 23:1–53

"He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead"

• 1 Peter 3:19, Luke 24:6–7

"He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty"

• Acts 1:9–11, Hebrews 1:3

"From there He will come to judge the living and the dead"

• 2 Timothy 4:1

"I believe in the Holy Spirit"

• John 14:26, Acts 1:8

"The holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints"

• Ephesians 4:4–5, Hebrews 12:1

"The forgiveness of sins"

• Acts 2:38

"The resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen."

• 1 Corinthians 15:42–44, John 11:25–26

  
  

A Call to Unity

We live in an age where even Catholics debate and divide within their own Church. This must change. Jesus did not ask us to tear each other down, but to love radically and live in unity.

To my fellow Catholics: we are already under attack from outside. Let us not attack one another from within. Let us defend the truth, yes—but always with charity, humility, and clarity. The world needs a united witness to the Gospel more than ever.

A Reflection Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You prayed that we may be one, as You are one with the Father. Teach us to live out that unity in love, truth, and humility. Heal our divisions and strengthen Your Church to be a beacon of light in a world so clouded by confusion. Help us, Lord, to be faithful to Your call—to stand firm in truth and to walk always in love. Amen.

One Church. One Faith. One Baptism. Let us be one, as He is One.