Many Protestants discovering devotion to Mary

Columbia, S.C., Nov 8, 2005 / 22:00 pm

They’re praying the rosary, holding Bible studies which look at Mary as a model of Christian holiness, and wearing trendy t-shirts emblazoned with things like ‘Mary is my home girl.’ The odd thing is that they’re Protestant.
 
The State, a South Carolina newspaper recently reported that devotion to Mary is on the rise--particularly among non-Catholics.

Although there are still theological divides on the proper role of Mary, a study released by Anglican and Catholic church leaders in May, suggested that the Blessed Virgin ought to be an important figure of devotion for all Christians.

The Rev. James Lyon, pastor of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina told The State that, “The new position is that there’s nothing wrong with appropriate devotion. The key is to keep in mind that Mary can be seen as someone who points the way toward her son, Jesus Christ.”

“Mary”, he said, “is an intercessor for the people of God, a model of submission and obedience to the will of God for the whole Christian church.” 

Rev. Lyon’s church regularly recites the rosary with a group from nearby St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

The report also noted that more and more Protestant churches, particularly United Methodist and Episcopal, are offering Bible studies on Mary’s obedience to God and her valuable example for all--particularly women.

Betsy Biega, who works at the Fields Episcopal Church in Columbia, told The State that, “What attracts women is the need to understand the significance of our mother Mary as the child who said yes to God.”